At just eight-years-old, she played her first junior tennis tournament. This was the building blocks that skyrocketed, Loraine Osborne’s love for the sport to a professional level. Recalling fond memories, she was instantly drawn to the sport when she watched her parents’ playing. At age six, Loraine would hit the ball again mielie bags to practice.
The talented tennis coach said, “I have had many highlights both on and off-court. One of them was being the number one junior in my age group in Mashonaland. My daughter Denise has also played for Gauteng in the juniors and my son, Grant Stafford, has played the world circuit. He played all the major tournaments, Wimbledon, French Open, Australian Open and Us Open. He was ranked 53 in the world and as a junior won the US Open doubles title with Wayne Ferreira. Nothing gives me greater pleasure than watching a player improving and growing mentally as they learn to compete and socialise.”
Loraine joined the Amanzimtoti Tennis Club in 2017 and believes that it is extremely important for junior players to be offered the opportunity to practice and be guided.
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“Leaving Zimbabwe to live in South Africa and having three small children I needed to meet people so went to the tennis club. I was offered an opportunity at the club to teach the local kids. As a result I went and did all my courses in order to qualify and have been coaching ever since. I run, with the assistance of Gabriel Mhlongo, free Saturday morning tennis for all juniors. Parents do assist as well. Our programme starts at 8.15am and finishes at 10am every Saturday morning during the school term. The players are taught strokes, court craft, rules and also how to compete. We play a team from Richards Bay and one from Port Shepstone on an annual basis. We also encourage the players to play outside tournaments,” she said.
When asked how she is keeping fit and active during the nationwide lockdown, Loraine said, “I have a large garden to keep my three dogs happy so gardening is important to me. I also do a fair amount of sewing. My message to the youth at this time is to take any opportunity that is offered to you. Sport is a wonderful way to meet people. It also teaches one how to win and how to lose, very important lessons in life.”
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