Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
THE Bulawayo Exeat Weekend Tennis Tournament attracted 55 participants to the Bulawayo Athletic Club (BAC) at the weekend, with emerging talent, established national team players and International Tennis Federation (ITF) competitors delivering a series of closely contested matches across various categories.
The tournament, which concluded on Sunday, provided an important platform for players to test their skills, gain valuable competitive experience and prepare for upcoming national and international competitions.
Tournament representative Witness Jiyane said the standard of competition was high, with several national team and ITF players taking part.
“It was a tightly contested tournament, featuring mostly national team and ITF players,” said Jiyane.
One of the highlights was Courage Ndlovu’s upset victory over Isaac Nyoni in the boys’ Under-18 category, while Unathi Sithole secured bronze after competing against Mbongeni Sibanda.
The tournament also showcased developing talent from various schools, underscoring the importance of grassroots competitions in identifying and nurturing future tennis stars.
Matopo’s St Anna Primary School and Rhodes Estate Preparatory School were among the institutions that stood out, with their players making an impression despite having started tennis training only last year using improvised courts.
Happiness Khumalo claimed bronze in the girls’ Under-14 category for St Anna, while Chris Mudamburi secured silver in the boys’ Under-12 competition representing Rhodes Estate Preparatory School.
Jiyane said the performances were particularly encouraging given the limited facilities available to the two schools.
Other participating schools included Girls College, Petra College, Centenary Primary School, Njube Secondary School, Emakhandeni Primary School, Josiah Chinamano Primary School, CBC, Masiyephambili Primary and Secondary Schools, and Charleston Trust Primary School.
Jiyane said the tournament served a broader purpose beyond competition, helping players sharpen their skills and prepare for more demanding assignments.
“These events play a pivotal role in preparing players for national and international tournaments,” he said.
He also commended Sports Zone for its continued support through the provision of prizes, describing the company’s contribution as important to the development of tennis and sport in general.
“Credit to our one and only consistent sponsor, Sports Zone, for their continued support in terms of prizes. As a club, we applaud their passion in supporting tennis and sport at large,” said Jiyane.
He appealed to the community to support companies that continue to invest in sport despite prevailing economic challenges, saying such partnerships were essential to sustaining sporting development.
Jiyane also thanked parents, coaches and players for contributing to the tournament’s success, adding that organisers were looking forward to the annual Emakhandeni Open scheduled for December 2026.
Bulawayo Exeat Weekend Tennis Tournament winners
Boys Red Ball
Gold: Simon Nyaminguna
Silver: Jaiden Mafe
Bronze: Bandile Ncube
Girls Red Ball
1. Bongeka Gama
2. Shekinah Zidya
3. Matifadza Musendo
Orange Ball — Girls
1. Kaitlyn Strydom
2. Inhlinkosi Nkomo
Orange Ball — Boys
1. Mhlengiomuhle Moyo
2. Ludo Dube
Green Dot — Girls
1. Alwande Khumalo
2. Kayleen Muchemwa
Green Dot — Boys
1. Kupakwashe Damba
2. Tafadzwa Mpesa
3. Siyanda Ncube
Under-12 Girls
1. Tersia Sithole
2. Tawananyasha Chingozo
3. Allegra Padingani
Under-12 Boys
1. Kyle Matare
2. Chris Mudamburi
3. Siyabonga Mbewe
Under-14 Girls
1. Leane Mudenda
2. Sandile Ndlovu
3. Happiness Khumalo
Under-14 Boys
1. Lethukuthula Dube
2. Meluthando Moyo
3. Indiphile Moyo
Under-18 Girls
1. Minenhle Moyo
2. Emily George
3. Regina Zibowa
Under-18 Boys
1. Courage Ndlovu
2. Isaac Nyoni
3. Unathi Sithole
