Emakhandeni Open concludes successfully

OVER 70 players participated in the Emakhandeni Tennis Open which took place at Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC) last week.

The three-day tournament drew some of the best players from around the country. The event had last been held in 2019 before the Covid-19 outbreak.

Players from Emakhandeni, BAC, Charleston Trust Private School, Whitestone, Girls College, Petra College, Baines Primary School and one player who is based in Namibia took part in the competition which started on Thursday and ended on Saturday. Emakhandeni Tennis Club chairman Witness Jiyane said the event was a huge success.

“We are grateful to the players who came from all the corners of the country to play in this competition. The level of competition was high and the tournament can only grow bigger,” said Jiyane.

He said his prayer is to one day have to host the tournament at Emakhandeni as compared to hiring a venue. “Although our tournament is labeled Emakhandeni it can’t be played there because of the two dilapidated courts, we need an extra three courts to host at Emakhandeni. We hope to one day host the tournament in Emakhandeni which will help us cut on the expenses,” said Jiyane.

A positive for the tournament is that they managed to retain their core sponsor PPC, Miravana Transport and Charleston Trust Private School. Players who have participated in this event before include Zamani Moyo, Hesly Masara and Munashe Bera, Shain Tapera and Anesu Kwirirai who have all received scholarships to the United States of America.

Winners

Redball Boys: Mhlengi Moyo, Brandon Gonga ,Watida M Moyo

Girls: Teaghan Nyathi, Avriel Manganidze, Grace Chakanyuka

Orange ball Boys: Sabelo Moyo, Ely Mhlanga, Luthando MoyoGirls: Nandipha Mangunguta, Lerato Ndebele

Green Ball Girls: Danica Teverton, Lwandisiwe Mapuma, Tawana Chingondzo Boys: Indiphile Moyo, Recardo Ncube, Jadidaya Mapuma

Under-12 Girls: Audry Mwatsiya, Emerly Ndlovu, Wenzile TshiliBoys: Lethu Dube, Tavadzwa Chanaiwa, Meluthando Moyo

Under-14 Girls: Mbalenhle Maphosa, Passion Chigumira, Luane VoslooBoys: Mbongeni Sibanda, Mzwakhe Mpabanga, Mengesi Dube

Under 18 girls: Pamela Moyo, Minenhle Moyo, Zinhle JiyaneBoys: Theophelous Mosokeri, Alec Vova , Issac Nyoni.

-@innocentskizoe