Final Tournaments Of The Year

Once again we decided to “spread our wings” and sent 12 players to an event in the Vaal. Following the success of the visit to Soweto a while back, we have decided that to give the players more variety in the tournament play we should “test the water” at other events.

The Vaal catered for red ball as well as tournament players, so we were able to send a mix and match group. Organized by Tennis SA (the controlling body) they were able to offer the players plenty of food and drink during the day so they experienced nutritional value as well as different playing conditions. Although there were no winners and losers, the event was meant to attract more people to the game this was certainly achieved.

Four players were entered into the Tennis SA final tournament in Benoni over the past three days and we were delighted with the continued success of our two top girls both under 14. Angel Nkosi reached the final where she was ousted by a more experienced player and Thando Xolo, having lost to the same player in the semis, went on to convincingly beat her opponent to finish third.

Both players played as well as we could have hoped in the tournament. In their last match both showed greater control of their shot making and consequently reaped the rewards. The pair then went on to end as runners up in the doubles losing to a pair who were much stronger than them but again showed a willingness to meet them head on. Some of the tennis, although somewhat one sided, was a joy to watch.

It was so pleasing to end the year on such a positive note.

We also had news that Thando Xolo and Wandile Tshabalala have been chosen to attend the second series of trials for the inter provincial team for 2023, and this event will be held in February with the inter provincial in April.