Three young tennis players from Mamelodi have been blessed with the opportunity to take part in the Davis Tennis World Cup.
The three had the occasion to serve as ball kids this past weekend.
The three young players are Koketso Khoza (12), Thapelo Rampou (13) and Amukelani Chaka (13).
The trio was selected after excellent performances representing Gauteng at the National School Championship in December .
The trio represented different schools but locally played for Impilo 0720 Sports Excellence Centre that keeps boys and girls busy by giving them tennis lessons and discussing social issues affecting Mamelodi children.
Coach Sizwe Radebe from the centre said hard work and dedication helped the young players make their way to one of the world’s biggest tennis tournaments.
He said the young players are disciplined and always go the extra mile at training.
Khoza said she felt happy and excited to be given an opportunity to see real professional players.
She said she was a bit nervous at first but later relaxed as she started enjoying herself at the big tournament.
“My goal in life is to play tennis at the world’s biggest tennis tournament, the Wimbledon tournament, with the best players in the world,” said Khoza.
Rampou said being a ball kid at the Davis Tennis World cup made him realise he was amongst the best tennis players in the world.
He said he wants to see himself playing in one of the biggest tournaments in the world, such as the Australian Open.
Rampou said his role model is Carlos Alcaraz Garfia, a Spanish professional tennis player.
Chaka said he was happy to be part of the tournament.
He said his future plan is to become a professional player and play in the US Open and his favourite tennis player is Novak Djokovic.
Radebe added there is a lot of talent in Mamelodi.
He said Impilo 0720 Sports Excellence Centre was formed to revive the spirit of tennis with the guidance of Siya Nkachela from Tennis Lab SA.
“We are keeping children busy with tennis lessons from Monday to Friday in the afternoon. We also help the children with schoolwork, playing indigenous games and discussing social issues,” said Radebe.
Impilo’s main aim is to keep children busy with any sport and away from crime and drugs.
Radebe said the centre also hosts street tennis sessions every second week of the month around Mamelodi.
“Street tennis is a programme whereby we take tennis to the people of Mamelodi, especially small children.
“We teach small children tennis in the streets of Mamelodi by hosting mini tennis tournaments, by creating a small tennis court with mini nets,” said Radebe.
“Impilo 0720 has more than 60 children who joined the centre from the age of six years and up.
“We see a lot of changes in our children: they have discipline, respect and leadership.”
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