Chronicle Editor
Brandon Moyo
YOUNG tennis sensation Emmly George is continuing with her impressive run on the tennis court.
Last week she won two medals at the International Tennis Federation (ITF) mid-season clay championships in Uganda.
The 12-year-old won a bronze medal in the Girls’ Under-14 event and gold in the doubles alongside Kuzivaishe Chapepa.
The reigning Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC) Sportsperson of the Year bagged her singles medal after overcoming Egypt’s Saraya Alia 4-0 and 4-0 in two sets. In the doubles, alongside Chapepa, they won their two sets with identical scores of 6-4 and 6-4 against fellow Zimbabweans, Akeelah Khanye and Kayla Ruwanza.
Chapepa won silver in the girls’ singles event after losing in the final against Nancy Kawera from Kenya. She lost the match 6-4, 6-4 to settle for second place.
Prior to the Uganda tournament, George competed in one of Africa’s most prestigious events, the Africa Junior Cup (AJC) which offers winners a wildcard into the Junior Grand Slam Championship. Battling it out with 14-year-olds, George finished in position 12 in the singles championship. She was with another up-and-coming star from Bulawayo, Khanye.
George attributed her success to hard work. She however, said she needs funding in order to fulfil her dreams of conquering the world of tennis.
George said due to lack of adequate funding, she sometimes travels long distances by bus which negatively affects her performance.
Her father, who is also her coach, Mkhululi George has appealed to the corporate world and individuals to financially support her daughter to grow her career.
George is scheduled to take part in more continental competitions as she aims for a possible ticket to the European tour next year. — @brandon_malvin
Online Reporter