A sporting vision is now a reality when NWU Tennis officially opened the new clay court precinct at the Fanie du Toit Sport Grounds on Friday, 28 April to usher in another world-class facility in Potchefstroom.
The NWU now is in the privileged position of having a tennis hub that includes all three tennis surfaces.
Prof Daryl Balia, NWU Deputy Vice-Chancellor on the Potchefstroom Campus, and Sheldon Rostron, manager of NWU Sport, played a short game of tennis to highlight the impressive new clay court facility.
This milestone is part of a larger vision of Riaan Venter of the Riaan Venter Tennis Academy (RVTA) which is situated at the NWU Tennis Courts. In collaboration with the NWU Tennis manager, Heléne Botha, this momentous milestone could be achieved after years of planning and preparation with various key stakeholders.
This project was first announced in 2019 and despite numerous challenges (Covid-19) this stunning three-in-one tennis facility is now complete.
In the past numerous world class tournaments have been held on the NWU hard courts, but now clay court tournaments can also be held for the first time in Potchefstroom. This will grow tennis in South Africa and create numerous opportunities for local players to gain experience on one of the most used tennis surfaces in the world.
“We have demonstrated our seriousness about advancing tennis in the country. We will create a breeding ground for future champions. I think we can dream of having a South African as a clay court specialist with these facilities at our disposal. We undertake to make sure that these facilities are used and maximised in order to retain our reputation as the home of champions,” added Prof. Balia.
Photos: Wouter Pienaar
Dr. Corrie Rheeder, Campus Director: Student Life, also illustrated that these courts function as a hub to connect students to the game of tennis and grow a love for the sport.
“We hope that these court will serve as a hub for students to connect and engage in healthy competition. This creates a positive campus culture and a sense of community. I want to thank Heléne Botha, Sheldon Rostron and Prof. Balia for their efforts,” added, Dr. Corrie Rheeder, the director of Campus Director: Student Life.
“We are extremely grateful with the passion and vigour that the NWU tennis staff has showed with this project. We thank the Potchefstroom community for supporting our dreams. It is a privilege and honour to see how tennis has broadened its path in the local community. Together we can make a large impact through sport,” added Rostron.
