Chronicle Editor
Nkosilathi Sibanda
THE Confederation of Schools Sports Association of Southern Africa (Cossasa) gets underway in the coming week and spotlight will be on two junior tennis players from Charleston Trust Primary School.
Making their maiden appearance in the regional schools’ contest, the duo of Sibusiso Sibanda and Mzwakhe Mpabanga, both who are learners at city based Charleston Trust Primary School, will be part of the team chosen to represent the country at the Cossasa games scheduled from August 26 to 28 in the city.
Both players honed their skills under the tutelage of revered coach Witness Jiyane, who is also the Emakhandeni Tennis Club director.
These players have shown a potential and a promise for a fruitful future in the game, given the records and level of competition they have been exposed to, in their tender ages. Sibanda and Mpabanga are part of the Charleston Trust Primary School team that has recorded commendable results in the game at this year’s main Bulawayo Province competitions in the National Association of Primary Heads (Naph) competitions at the United College of Education grounds.
Mpabanga and Sibanda were selected to the national team together with Passion Chigumira, of the same school, who went in to represent the country in Mozambique in the girls’ category.
In their appreciation of the youngsters’ performance and recognition at national level, Charleston Trust School, through their sports director Raphael Chikure sent a congratulatory remark.
“Mzwakhe Mpabanga and Sibusiso Sibanda have been selected to represent our school and Zimbabwe at the upcoming Cossasa competitions, a fantastic opportunity for them to excel at a higher level. We are incredibly proud of our learners’ achievements and look forward to their continued success in future tournaments.
“I am pleased to share the outstanding results from the recent Naph national tennis tournament, where our school’s teams demonstrated exceptional skill and sportsmanship. Our boys’ team represented by Sibusiso Sibanda and Mzwakhe Mpabanga secured an impressive first position, showcasing their talent and teamwork. Our girls’ team represented by Passion Chigumira achieved a commendable second position, demonstrating their dedication and perseverance. Mpabanga was awarded the Most Valuable Player for Bulawayo Province, a testament to his exceptional performance and leadership,” read the statement from Chekure to the school’s stakeholders.
Responding to Zimpapers Sports Hun this week, Chekure said extended gratitude to parents and the institution’s leadership for affording the young players enough time to prepare for competitions.
“As a coach I make sure that I train learners until the skill becomes so simple. Tennis players are given enough time for practice to improve their skills. They train every day from 4PM to 6PM. We thank our school director for the support. I am really happy for the achievement that we have made,” said Chekure.
Renowned coach, Witness Jiyane, who is credited to have worked well in establishing the roots of tennis development alongside Charleston Trust Primary School’s officials, said the world awaits to see exceptional talent coming from players at the educational institution.
“This is wonderful news that Charleston Trust Primary School is producing talent that the country can look forward to in the coming years. I have worked well with the school, making sure that as Emakhandeni Tennis Club we impart skill and get the best out of the players at the school. I wish them all the best and trust in their ability,” said Jiyane.
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