Tennis SA launches annual schoolchildren tennis series in KaNyamazane
Some Mpumalanga primary school children will take part in the sixth annual RCS Rising Star Tennis series.
The official launch of the sixth season of Tennis South Africa’s (TSA) development series, RCS Rising Star Tennis, saw a number of the primary school children from the Nsikasi region, including those living with disabilities, introduced to the sporting code.
This happened at the KaNyamazane Sports Complex on March 5.
TSA’s general manager Anthony Moruthane said: “The number of Mpumalanga school teams participating in RCS Rising Star Tennis rose from 62 in 2023 to 119 in 2024, which reflects the sort of growth TSA and its partners want to see in this annual development programme. Notably, the KaNyamazane team, from a historically disadvantaged area with quintile one to three schools, won the Ehlanzeni District event and finished as runners-up in the Mpumalanga provincial play-offs,” Moruthane said.
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He said these achievements mark a significant milestone in TSA’s journey to grow tennis at grassroots level and make the sport more accessible to all.
The day’s events included a coaching clinic for kids from Maphakama, Mgwenyane, Tenteleni, Buhlebuyeta and KaMagugu primary schools. The children were gifted tennis racquets and balls.
“The coaching clinics continue to be a key aspect in the growth of RCS Rising Star Tennis, not only assisting young players but also empowering development coaches. By equipping these schools with the necessary tools we aim to level the playing field and inspire even greater participation and excellence in the years to come.”
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Moruthane said TSA’s goal is to have over 1 000 teams take part in the primary schools and wheelchair tennis divisions this year. The 2025 season will include district and provincial events in all nine provinces, to be held from April to September.
The launch was attended by tennis enthusiasts and notable guests, including the Ehlanzeni District Municipality’s executive mayor, Terra Shabangu, who played some tennis with the children.
