It is no secret that many questions are asked about the development of tennis players in South Africa and the methods used to prepare young players to play the game competitively at national and international level.

There are different routes being taken to try to create opportunities for talented young players. Yet there seems to be a lack in most systems regarding the identification and development of young talent.

The management of Gauteng North Tennis (GNT) recently decided to try a new approach to firstly identify young talent and secondly expose established players at every level of progression to the right development and coaching methods.

After several considerations it was decided to enlist the help of a network of several experienced coaches, who will work together to help develop a junior player group from u.10 to u.18 under the banner of Gauteng North Junior Tennis.

Young players are evaluated within this group and then divided into different squads, which are further handled according to their level of development. Attempts will also be made to work with schools to get players involved in the squad.

Seven experienced coaches, each of whom in his or her own way can add value to the development process of the players, are involved in this Gauteng North junior squad. They are Denton Meintjies (High Performance Director at the well-known JLs Tennis Academy and a man who also has experience of coaching in America); Celeste Claassen (a professional tennis coach with more than 20 years of experience); Andri Tiran (professional coach and owner of Andri Tiran Tennis Academy); Erda Todd (Head Coach of Woodhill College Tennis Academy); Willie van der Westhuizen (owner of the Van der Westhuizen Tennis Academy, probably the oldest of its kind in Pretoria); Kobus Botha (South Africa’s first post-isolation Davis Cup captain and a man who has played and coached at all levels) and Danie Visser (former world number one doubles player and three-time Grand Slam doubles champion).

Under the leadership of this outstanding group of coaches and mentors, the Gauteng North Junior squad should soon produce top players and champions at various levels.

The top players will be prepared for ITF tournaments, many of which are played these days in South Africa or in some of our neighbouring countries.

With the quality and experience of the coaches and mentors involved in the project, players will not only be able to benefit from their technical coaching qualities, but young players will also be prepared on other aspects of the game for tournaments at national and international level.

Players at school level who are interested in getting involved with this junior tennis group or coaches who want to introduce players to the group can contact tennis Gauteng North at marketing@gnjtennis.co.za .

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram