Tennis champion Lucas Sithole teams up with Anele Mdoda.
WESTDENE – The wheelchair SA Open was launched at the University of Johannesburg tennis courts on 1 March, with much excitement from attendees who came to show their full support of Wheelchair Tennis SA.
Former US Open champion Lucas Sithole, ready for action.
The tournament will take place from 10 to 14 April at Ellis Park Tennis Stadium.
The launch was attended by media personalities such as radio and television host Anele Mdoda, tennis stars Lucas Sithole, KG Montjane, Evans Maripa and model Lunga Shabalala.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura demonstrates his tennis skills while the coaches advise him.
Gauteng Premier David Makhura also came to participate and show his support of the tournament.
The attendees were given the opportunity to play wheelchair tennis on the court against each other.
Gauteng Premier David Makhuru at the Wheelchair SA Open tournament launch.
Makhura said during his address that he was very happy to be present at the launch of an iconic sporting event.
“This is a very important event for our country and particularly for the Gauteng province. We are very pleased that we are hosting an event such as this in order to showcase our capabilities, the infrastructure we have and our diverse cultures,” said Makhura.
Celebrities and players participate in wheelchair tennis.
Makhura also encouraged fellow South Africans to support the players and highlighted that people with disabilities could be easily forgotten and left behind.
Mdoda teamed up with Sithole who taught her the ropes of wheelchair tennis.
Mdoda said she was even more convinced that the sport required a great amount of skill and talent.
Anele Mdoda is one of the celebrities who took the challeneg at the launch.
“The premier seems to have better skills than me but I suspect he practised before we played, unlike me. I’m having a great time today and I plan to attend some of the tournaments that will take place,” said Mdoda
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