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The chairman of the association Johanne Marufu said they were in dire need of funding as they also had plans to establish a league this year.
“We have about 13 established players in wheelchair tennis but the fact that none of us belong to a league makes it hard for us to play competitive tennis hence the need for funds so that we can establish a league for the players.
“If the players have something to play for and play on a weekly basis they will be fully equipped and it will be easy for them to overcome challenges when they step onto the international scene,” Marufu said.
Marufu highlighted that they needed a lot of money to organise ITF recognised tournaments as it was difficult for players to make a mark in international competitions if they were not accustomed to competitions as they did not take part in international events.
“Our players need to go out there, play in international tournaments, get engaged with ITF recognised tournaments because no matter how much you play or how good you are as long as you are not involved in ITF recognised matches you are not considered for international ratings,” he said.
The Wheelchair tennis players boast of international champions like Nyasha Mharakurwa who takes part in most of the competitions in South Africa.
“Last year South Africa was able to rise remarkably through the rankings because they took part in most ITF recognised tournaments across the globe,” he said.
He said as a way of promoting growth of the sport as well as empower people with disabilities plans were underway to take wheelchair tennis to border towns.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter