The 1976 South African u-18 boys’ doubles champion, Loyiso Mantsha, aims to develop young talent and pay tribute to black tennis players from the apartheid era.

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Mantsha is the founder of Ekurhuleni Tennis School of Excellence and head coach.

He hosts training sessions at the Germiston Stadium on weekdays.

Mantsha is also recognised by Tennis South Africa (TSA) as a coach and has passed down his knowledge for the past 31 years.

He played tennis during the apartheid era when black and white players competed in their respective divisions.

“I was also the 1977 boys’ double champion and the South African boys’ singles champion under TSA in 1978,” said Mantsha.

“In 1974, at 12, I won the u-14 and u-18 age groups at the EP Five Roses Tourney in Gqebera.

“I was the June runner-up in the Citrus Sportsmen of the Month in SA in June 1978. Soccer maestro of Kaizer Chiefs Teenage Dladla was also a runner-up. Daniel Maphanya, a South African middleweight champion boxer, was the winner,” said Mantsha.

Mantsha contributes to the sport as a nurturer of young talent and works with the talented Tadiwanashe Chipfakacha.

He has written a book about black tennis champions who were not recognised during apartheid.

“The book focuses on the history of black tennis in the country. It is already completed and will be sent to publishers for edits by the end of March,” said Mantsha.

“Black tennis players who contributed so much to this sport are still not recognised for their contributions, a part of our history is lost.

“My final plan is to build a tennis centre sensitive to the needs of the indigent.

“We don’t have a single black person in the Davis Cup or the Federation Cup. Tennis is expensive and the black majority cannot afford coaching, travelling and entry fees. It is difficult to reach the top, as it takes about 15 years of intensive training. Many talented players have fallen by the wayside.”