Coach still serving players many years later
He started hos coaching and umpiring career in 1997. He's also the Gauteng East Tennis' development officer.
Many people would have called time on a career that has spanned over two decades and taken them across the world.
Not Daveyton’s tennis technical official, Dundee Tefo Radebe.
His storied career in tennis as both a coach and umpire began in 1997 when he took his first umpiring course.
“The following year I went straight into coaching. Back then, I was new in the sport and my love for it was burning.”
Those flames are still burning inside him as for over 15 years he’s spearheaded the development of tennis in Daveyton.
Radebe was taught the fundamentals of the sport by the legendary coach Cavin Bergman. While Bergman played a crucial role, Radebe also credits Ken Smith, the International Tennis Federation’s Riaan Kruger, Ghizela Enslin and Carl Davis for fast-tracking his development.
“In 1999, I did both umpiring and coaching courses. My first international tournament as an umpire was that same year at the ITF Features.
“Then in 1999, I was the chair umpire in many matches at the 7th All Africa Games in Johannesburg. I have played for SA in the Davis Cup and been to many tournaments on the continent,” he said.
Now as a development coach, he mentors the Baikagetse Primary School’s tennis team and also runs his own tennis college called the Lil’Angels Tennis College.
Coach, as his players call him, stated that tennis in Daveyton will only develop once parents start supporting their children.
“There are many youngsters with potential in Ekurhuleni but the problem is discipline and lack of support from parents.
“Tennis is an expensive sport. When you ask for assistance from parents, they ignore you. They don’t even come to watch their children play. That’s the only motivation these children need – their parents rallying behind them.”
Radebe’s mission to revive the sport in his community was met with contempt from members who damaged tennis courts playing soccer. Using the revamped surface at Baikagetse, he said he hopes more players will show interest.
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“With the knowledge I have acquired over the years, if the people of Daveyton don’t see what I’m doing, it’s their loss. This is an opportunity for our children to thrive in the sport.
“Increasingly, more black children are being presented with opportunities. It’s up to them and their parents to utilise them.”
Inspired by 1983 Roland Garros winner Yannick Noah and Australian ace Lleyton Hewitt for their flair and elegance on the court, Radebe is adamant that the work Tennis South Africa (TSA) is doing at the grassroots level will bear fruit.
“The association has scholarships and it has sent many players abroad. We need parents to get involved because that’s the only way to keep players motivated.”
He may be inspired by Noah and Hewitt, but he admits that the duels between Roger Federer and Andre Agassi in the early millennium cemented his love for the sport.
“Federer vs Agassi in the US Open final in 2005 which led to Agassi’s retirement is my favourite moment in tennis.”
Those who want to join Radebe’s college may contact him on 060 732 0791, 062 456 2752 or lilangeltenniscollege@gmail.com
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