Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, Zimpapers Sports Hub
AKEELAH Khanye and Minenhle Moyo yesterday received a boost when Riverdale Academy of Bulawayo pledged to continue supporting the two tennis prodigies.
The two pupils who attend the institution have been selected to represent Zimbabwe at the Zonal Championships in Botswana next week.
They will participate in the Under-16 age-group’s singles and doubles.
Akeelah is a former Under-14 champion in the doubles, having won gold at last year’s championships held in Namibia.
Riverdale director, Philani Mathe pledged his organisation’s continued support of athletes and sport at the school.
He said this was being done through the institute’s students’ welfare department.
“They are doing us proud on the sporting front, as Riverdale, we pride ourselves with developing a whole child academically and in sport.
“As a school, we are supporting them in terms of their social side of things, helping them, motivating them through our learner welfare department,” said Mathe.
The Botswana tournament will run from January 8-18 and has attracted almost a dozen participating nations.
In interviews with Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday, the players were upbeat about the forthcoming tournament.
The Riverdale duo have been making waves on the international junior tennis circuit with their impressive performances.
Recently, they took part in the ITF J30 Harare Tournament, where Minenhle emerged victorious in the singles category, defeating Marcelina Paliczka from Poland in the finals.
Akeelah and Minenhle also reached the semi-finals in the doubles, where they put up a fierce fight against Canadian sisters Hana and Iman Bajramovic.
The pair’s good run together did not stop there.
At the ITF J60 Bulawayo tournament recently, Minenhle reached the quarter-finals in the singles, while Akeelah partnered Thandiwe Nkala to reach the semi-finals in the doubles.
Impressed by their outstanding achievements this year, Tennis Zimbabwe selected them to represent Zimbabwe in the ITF/CAT Southern African Junior Individual and Teams (Zonal) tournament.
The two girls’ consistent performances, growth and determination have solidified their positions as top competitors in the junior tennis world within Zimbabwe and the region.
In a statement both players paid tribute to the school and coaches Rennie Chikunichawa, Nqobilizwe Moyo and Michael Mlambo
“We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Riverdale Academy for their unwavering support in financing their trips, accommodation and upkeep.”
“We also appreciate the parents and coaches Rennie Chikunichawa, Nqobilizwe Moyo and coach Michael Mlambo for their tireless efforts in honing our skills.”
The prestigious Gaborone, Botswana event will provide them with valuable experience, exposure and ranking points, further boosting their athletic development and future careers in tennis.
With their talent, dedication and support, the future looks bright for these young tennis stars.
