Chronicle Editor
Mehluli Sibanda, Senior Sports Reporter
IT seems the Emakhandeni lad, Zamani Moyo who got a tennis scholarship to Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Illinois, United States of America will not be lonely after all in foreign lands after three more Zimbabwean players also secured scholarships to the same institution.
Moyo, who arrived in the USA last Thursday will soon be joined by fellow Zimbabweans, Mlungisi Mhlanga (18), James Makaranga (17) and Kudakwashe Sandi (20). Just like Moyo, the other boys were recruited by tennis coach, Eric Sturgis.
Sandi left Zimbabwe on Saturday, Makaranga leaves on Sunday while Mhlanga is taking off for the USA on Wednesday. Just like Moyo, the three boys will pursue associate degrees and also further their tennis careers in USA. Sturgis got to watch Moyo, Mhlanga and Makaranga when they played in an ITF Junior tournament in Bulawayo in December. That is when he decided to assist them in securing the scholarships.
Mhlanga, a Bulawayo born lad grew up in Gwanda where he went to Senondo Primary School. When his family moved to Masvingo, Mhlanga enrolled at Victoria Primary School before he proceeded to Hama High School (Chirumhanzu), Gokomere and Victory High School. Mhlanga is excited to be leaving for USA where he hopes to fulfil his dream of becoming a professional tennis player.
“This really means a lot to me. This is a really big step I’m taking towards achieving the dream of becoming a professional tennis player one day,’’ said Mhlanga.
In Gwanda where he took up the sport at the age of eight, Mhlanga was coached by Mtshutshisi Mathema, the co-founder of Gwanda Tennis Academy while Mark Chinyenyani mentored him in Masvingo. He was also assisted by renowned tennis coach, Zenzo Ndlovu in Bulawayo, the man who linked him up with Sturgis.
@Mdawini_29
Bongani Ndlovu