Makgotho, Mathose rule at tennis tourney

Aobakwe Makgotho and Lerato Mathose were crowned champions of the Limpopo 1-Day Provincial Wheelchair Tennis Tournament held at the Polokwane Tennis Club on Saturday.
The competition, sponsored by Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture saw more than 20 players from Polokwane, Venda, Botlokwa and Bochum contesting the titles on court.
Makgotho, 22, who hails from Botlokwa staged a master-class performance easing past his opponents from the start to the final round with little trouble before defeating Sello Thobejane in an exhilarating final. “We haven’t had much competition as of late, so this was very important for us to measure ourselves against other players. I worked very hard to win this tournament and it means a lot to be a provincial champion,” a statement issued by Wheelchair Tennis South Africa (WTSA) quoted Makgotho to have said. Makhotho reportedly went on to plead with the department to continue their support for the code.
In the ladies event, Mathose also wasted little time edging out her opponents to finish in top position. Mathose, who also hails from Botlokwa has been playing tennis for over five years and said being exposed to more tournaments can only help them improve.
“I believe with more competitions like this, we will get far. It is always better to start competing at home before playing in national and international tournaments. I am very happy for winning the tournament and I will continue to work hard.”
WTSA Public Relations Manager Anthony Moruthane commended the department for nurturing the sport in the province, “Limpopo has produced some of the world’s best wheelchair tennis players including world number six and Wimbledon finalist Kgothatso Montjane and Evans Maripa. Following the loss of our long-time sponsor Airports Company South Africa over two years ago, we had limited events to expose players to competitions due to financial constraints. So, we are very grateful to the department for their generous support in making this tournament possible,” Moruthane added.
The day was organised by Patrick Selepe-Mathole an award-winning Paralympic wheelchair tennis star from Limpopo who was selected for the US Government Global Sports Mentorship Programme sponsored by the US Embassy of South Africa. Focusing on sport development and leadership during the exchange programme, Selepe-Mathole returned to South Africa to give back to his community and afford youth with disabilities the training and education they need to become both accomplished wheelchair tennis players, and be able to go out and find sustainable jobs to achieve a great quality of life.

Story and photos: RC Myburgh
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