Chronicle Editor
Nkosilathi Sibanda, [email protected]
HIGH rising Emakhandeni Tennis Club got a shot in the arm after one of their former players, Roy Chirinda made a donation of racquets and balls to be used by the club in its development programmes.
Chirinda, who is based in the United Kingdom, made the offer last week and the club received the first consignment of 10 racquets and 20 balls on Wednesday afternoon, much to the delight of budding players who were in a training session.
This is part of Chirinda and other former players’ initiative to source over 100 racquets and an assortment of equipment for Emakhandeni Tennis Club, in a quest to make sure that every budding player does not lack the basic equipment needed in the sport.
The donation, according to Emakhandeni Tennis Club director and coach, Witness Jiyane, came at the opportune time as the club was in dire need of an array of equipment.
“Nothing gives us pride than to have one of our own, a product of Emakhandeni Tennis Club, giving back. We received the balls and racquets from Roy Chirinda who has time and again assisted us,” said Jiyane.
Emakhandeni Tennis Club has had its fair share of challenges, with players being short of racquets, balls and standard nets.
Most of its players cannot afford racquets. Jiyane said Chirinda’s donation will help motivate the players.
“This will push the players to commit to training sessions as they now know that there are racquets they will use. It was a bore for them to wait and ask another player for us. They will start coming and be motivated to play.
“I am delighted that Roy knows his roots. We played together when we were young. This donation will go a long way in changing the young players’ lives.”
Chirinda said he will continue to assist where he can, working hand in hand with other former Emakhandeni players.
Emakhandeni Tennis Club is on a journey to reclaim its former glory as one of the country’s best tennis training outfits.
The club prides itself in having produced as many players that went on to play overseas, representing the country in the International Tennis Federation organised competition.
The latest protégé, who was mentored by Jiyane is Zamani Moyo who is making waves in the United States of America college tennis scene. Moyo is on a tennis scholarship at the Iowa Central Community College.
The club has also produced among others Nqobilizwe Bhebhe, Mgcini Ndlovu, Noel Wadawu, the late Dumiso Khumalo, Gloria Mpala, Fadzai Madzimbamuto and Matthew Gumbo.-@NkosieLegend
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