Street tennis unleash talent in Mamelodi children

A local sports organisation wants to bring out the best in young tennis players in Mamelodi.

Impilo 0720 Sports Excellence centre keeps boys and girls busy by giving them tennis lessons and discussing social issues affecting Mamelodi children.

One of the founders of the centre, Sizwe Radebe said small children used to play at an abandoned Mamelodi West tennis court in the afternoon unattended.

“The children used to play at the tennis court until dark. It was no longer safe for them because the tennis court is situated next to a dilapidated HM Pitje stadium,” said Radebe.

“Lack of sponsorship has killed the spirit of playing tennis in Mamelodi.”

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He said Impilo 0720 Sports Excellence centre was formed to revive the spirit of tennis with the guidance of Siya Nkachela from Tennis Lab SA.

“We are keeping children busy with tennis lessons from Monday to Friday in the afternoon. We also help the children with schoolwork, playing indigenous games and discussing social issues,” said Radebe.

Impilo’s main aim is to keep children busy with any sports and away from crime and drugs.

Co-founder Abraham Makgathole said Impilo 0720 also hosts street tennis sessions every second week of the month around Mamelodi.

“Street tennis is a programme whereby we take tennis to the people of Mamelodi, especially small children.

“We teach small children tennis in the streets of Mamelodi by hosting mini tennis tournaments by creating a small tennis court with mini nets,” said Makgathole.

Impilo 0720 has more than 60 children who joined the centre from the age of six years and up.

“We see a lot of changes in our children: they have discipline, respect and leadership.”

Makgathole said the number of children is growing almost every week.

“We desperately need sponsors of tennis training equipment.

“Impilo 0720 have only 35 rackets and one mini tennis net. It’s not enough to cater for all the children we have daily.”

Makgathola believes that Mamelodi has a lot of talent and Impilo aims to help the children to unleash their hidden talents.

Anyone who wants to help Impilo 0720 with tennis training equipment can contact Sizwe Radebe on 072 117 0961.

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