“WHEN I started teaching these kids about tennis, most parents felt that the sport was never going to have an impact in their lives. I understood their sentiments because tennis is a sport associated with affluence, but what the sport has managed to do is beyond everyone’s imagination.” So says, Emmanuel Ngema, the tennis coach at Westridge Tennis Stadium tasked with transforming and introducing tennis in townships in and around Durban.
Ngema’s dream of producing a tennis champion seems to be well on course after two of his star players received bursaries to study at Durban Preparatory High School. Both Siyabonga Jaca, who is in Grade 5, and Simphiwe Ngwenya in Grade 4, won gold at last year’s South African Local Government Association (SALGA) games.
ALSO READ: Local tennis team crowned champions
Jaca is also the defending champion of the national Dunlop Mini Series U10. Ngema’s beaming face tells a story of how proud he is of the boys’ achievements.
“My dream of producing an international tennis champion is well on course. The training I provide them with can only do so much for them, but now at this school they will be exposed to great facilities and the best educators to provide them with top-quality education. They will also be competing with the best in country. I am very happy and grateful to the principal for giving them this opportunity. Whether or not they are stars, the impact tennis has on these children’s lives is remarkable,” said Ngema.
When the Berea Mail paid them a visit on Tuesday, both Ngwenya and Jaca looked very settled-in at their new school and gave us the traditional DPHS greeting by lifting their caps as a mark of respect, welcome and friendliness.
“I am very happy to be here and I cannot wait to try all the other sports especially swimming, soccer and cricket. I just want to thank everyone for making this a possibility,” said Jaca.
ALSO READ: From the garden to the tennis courts, local tennis coach’s remarkable tale
Echoing his friend’s sentiments, Ngwenya said he could not wait to take to the court and make his family, coach and new school proud.
“We are excited that the eThekwini Department of Sport and Recreation and Tennis South Africa are staunch supporters of the ongoing development tennis progress in eThekwini and the newly named TSA/Growthpoint Development Centre will continue to identify emerging tennis stars. We are still appealing to the community to help us with old tennis rackets for our players,” added Ngema
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