Newbees fare well in their first tournament

Gauteng East again hosted a one-day tournament for those players who, as yet, are not up to participating in the main stream Tennis SA sanctioned events. It is a breeding ground for our future stars and gives us the opportunity to “blood” the younger players into tournament play.

There were 208 children yesterday in Benoni and such has the popularity of these events grown, that entries are now coming from outside the Gauteng East province. Whereas this is good to see so many children participating, it does mean that some children from Gauteng East could miss out on an event which was originally designed specifically for them.

We entered two young girls for the first time both of whom have elder sisters already playing in these events. They acquitted themselves extremely well for the first-time exposure to players from outside of Vosloorus. Nine year old Unathi Nkosi finished 4^th out of six in her group whilst 10 year old Banele Xolo came a highly creditable 2^nd in her group. For a first-time effort at tournament play, these results are extremely pleasing and they will both be nurtured with more exposure to tournament play throughout the year.

The two newbees are pictured along with their coach, Michael Lelosa.

The start of the day was Wandile Tshabalala who won his group. Wandile has been going to these events for a year now and has also taken part in is first Tennis SA sanctioned tournament. He has been chosen to represent the province in the schools inter provincial tournament due to be staged in August.

Vusi Mngomezulu, playing only his second tournament, finished 2^nd to show the improvement in his game that has been evident during training.

Both Angel Nkosi and Thando Xolo finished 3^rd in their respective groups to round off a highly successful morning for the kids.

It was a typical cold Benoni morning with the advent of winter definitely here made even worse with wind coming off the Benoni Lake adjacent to the courts. The tennis fashions yesterday were beanies and scarves!!