Female turnout disappoints at junior tennis tourney
One of the tournament winners, Hendrina Apollus said she found the tournament a little limited with regards to opponents. Within her age group, she only had one opponent, who she managed to defeat.
Wetumwene Shikage
The Namibia Tennis Association’s (NTA) tournament director Ndumiso Moyo said despite a great support system, only a few female players signed up for the junior tennis tournament.
The tournament took place in Windhoek on Friday and Saturday, with matches played at the Central Tennis Club and the Sport Klub Windhoek fields.
Players in under-10 to under-25 age groups took part, showcasing skill and talent.
He added the association hopes to see more great matches being played as the coaches invest a lot of effort into preparing the players.
One of the tournament winners, Hendrina Apollus, who has been playing tennis since she was nine, said she finds the sport interesting. “I had a strong interest in tennis, so I started playing it,” she said.
She added that she found the tournament a little limited in regards to opponents. Within her age group, she only had one opponent, who she managed to defeat. She is looking forward to playing more tournaments, growing as a tennis player and landing better opportunities in the future, Apollus said.
‘You’ll get there’
Another player Caurie Stears, who has been playing for about a year, said the tournament was fun. She managed to win one of the three matches she competed in.
In preparation for the tourney, she trained two hours a day, four days a week.
Apart from competing, she said she made a few friends and encouraged aspiring youth who have the passion for tennis to take part.
“Keep your head up. Times may get tough, but you grow and you will get there,” she said.
The Namibia Tennis Association’s (NTA) tournament director Ndumiso Moyo said despite a great support system, only a few female players signed up for the junior tennis tournament.
The tournament took place in Windhoek on Friday and Saturday, with matches played at the Central Tennis Club and the Sport Klub Windhoek fields.
Players in under-10 to under-25 age groups took part, showcasing skill and talent.
He added the association hopes to see more great matches being played as the coaches invest a lot of effort into preparing the players.
One of the tournament winners, Hendrina Apollus, who has been playing tennis since she was nine, said she finds the sport interesting. “I had a strong interest in tennis, so I started playing it,” she said.
She added that she found the tournament a little limited in regards to opponents. Within her age group, she only had one opponent, who she managed to defeat. She is looking forward to playing more tournaments, growing as a tennis player and landing better opportunities in the future, Apollus said.
‘You’ll get there’
Another player Caurie Stears, who has been playing for about a year, said the tournament was fun. She managed to win one of the three matches she competed in.
In preparation for the tourney, she trained two hours a day, four days a week.
Apart from competing, she said she made a few friends and encouraged aspiring youth who have the passion for tennis to take part.
“Keep your head up. Times may get tough, but you grow and you will get there,” she said.
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