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Sports Correspondent
EMAKHANDENI Tennis Courts have suffered a setback after thieves stole poles that balance the fence around the courts.
The fence has slumped to the ground with no support making playing at the courts difficult.
One of the coaches at Emakhandeni Tennis Club, Witness Jiyane said they were dismayed at the acts of vandalism as it will impact negatively on their efforts of bringing more young players to the sport.
He said the vandalism began late last year with two poles disappearing while recently six poles were stolen leading to the fence falling to the ground.
“This is a big blow because we won’t be able to train power shots as we risk losing many balls and the court is open to further vandalism because anyone can walk in now and do whatever they want in there.
“We have been steadily increasing the number of young players training here and the lack of proper facilities will negatively affect our programme,” said Jiyane.
The courts received a facelift in 2014 when Zimbabwe National Roads Agency (Zinara) resurfaced the courts in preparation for the 2014 Africa Union Sports Council under-20 Youth Games that were hosted in the city.
Before the resurfacing, the courts had become derelict with no activity taking place due to the disfigured surface.
“The funny part is when there was no activity at the courts the vandals did not touch the poles but now that we are active they derail us.
“We have engaged the owners of the facility, the Bulawayo City Council over the issue and we hope they will react quickly and assist us make repairs,” said Jiyane.
He said replacing steel poles with wooden ones would be a deterrent to future vandalism acts adding the Emakhandeni Open was now under threat.
The return of activity at the Emakhandeni Tennis Courts has brought some hope that new tennis stars will be discovered in the high density suburbs.
The tennis club which was run by Aaron Mpofu in the 1990s produced several stars in the sport that went on to play for the country while being awarded scholarships abroad.
During the period, the club that produced the likes of Noel Wadawu, the late Dumiso Khumalo, Gloria Mpala, Fadzai Madzimbamuto and Matthew Gumbo.
A potential gem from the club, 11-year-old Zamani Moyo has been holding his own in the local junior circuit showing a lot of promise with his play.
Online Reporter