Young local township tennis players prepare for Rising Star Tennis series
Tennis players from townships around Pretoria had the opportunity last week to be part of a preparation program for the upcoming Rising Star Tennis series.
Tennis South Africa (TSA) hosted a successful clinic in Atteridgeville, Pretoria last week, in the build-up to the highly anticipated second edition of the BNP Paribas RCS Rising Star Tennis series, which starts later this month.
Over 70 children from schools in Atteridgeville, Hammanskraal, Mabopane, Soshanguve and Ga-Rankuwa participated in the programme held at Mpho Makhoba Tennis Precinct, situated in the Mbolekwa Sports Complex.
Tennis equipment (rackets and balls) were donated to the participating schools to help them gear up for the nationwide Rising Star Tennis school’s tournament.
Six coaches from the BNP Paribas Coaches Mentorship programme, conducted the coaching clinic in Atteridgeville as part of TSA’s goal to provide opportunities and skill development to kids from historically disadvantaged communities.
Photo: Frennie Shivambu
Programme ambassador Carol Tshabalala also took to the court to hit some balls with the enthusiastic young players, while South African teen sensation and programme ambassador Kholo Montsi conducted a virtual masterclass session from Florida in the United States.
“I’m honoured to be part of this Rising Star Tennis project. I think it’s something very special and for me it’s great to be able to help other kids in South Africa. It’s an amazing opportunity and I’m blessed to be part of it,” said Montsi, who competed in the junior division at last year’s French Open.
The 18-year-old Montsi shared some invaluable tennis tips with the kids to help them prepare for the Rising Star Tennis tournament.
Entries for the second edition of the national schools’ tournament closed already and district events will be held around the country this month.
“This year is bigger and better than ever. We’ve got primary schools, high schools and a wheelchair tennis competition. The objective is to get more kids across all communities in South Africa playing tennis. This is a really exciting celebration of grassroots tennis,” said TSA CEO, Richard Glover.
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