Fredrick Moyo
Some of the best Inspiration Tennis Academy (ITA) players recently shared their goals, inspiration, support and motivation to continue chasing their dreams and actualizing their passions.
One player, Lucia Sitemere said being a student-athlete is something positive in her life as it helps her build self-confidence and self-discipline though at first it was difficult for her to manage the two.
“I am 12 years old and a grade 7 learner at Helen McGhie Primary School. I started playing Tennis in 2017 when I was in Grade 1. I had passion for tennis and my role model is Serena Williams (USA). My coach identified the talent when she was training us as a class at school. From that time, my interest towards tennis started to grow and the sport helps me through tactical thinking, teamwork, improving fitness level as well as boosting my confidence.
“At first it was very difficult for me to balance school and tennis. However, I can now manage my time wisely. Everything that I do, I do it seriously be it school or sport. I also have a very good academic record. Our coach always advises us to be serious academically and requests for every player’s academic report at the end of every term. After training, I spare some time to do my homework a well as reading. When I travel for tournaments, I always carry my books for reading,” said Sitemere.
She also added that the academy has helped her achieve a lot of things and has been places because of tennis.
“Inspiration Academy has helped me to achieve a lot both my academic and athletic goals. Coach Privy does not nurture us athletically, but also academically. She always encourages us to read our books. Athletically, I have benefited a lot from Inspiration Academy and have been to places with tennis. So far I have scooped 17 Medals and 1 plate (trophy) after attending local and national tournaments in Harare, Mutare, Bulawayo as well as Masvingo. I wish to start attending international tournaments if funds permit,” she added.
“My first goal is to increase my Universal Tennis Ratings (UTR) points so that I get selected into the National Team. That can only be achieved if I play more tournaments because the more tournaments I play at, the more points I get. I also wish to have more training time so that I improve my play and lift the Masvingo tennis flag higher. I wish to turn my hobby into a real profession in future,” she added.
Sitemere however appealed for financial support as tennis is an expensive sport.
“Firstly, tennis is very expensive looking at training, sports attire, racquets and participating at tournaments (travelling expenses, entrance fees, accommodation and coach’s allowances), my parents are struggling to cover all these costs so sometimes I end up missing other tournaments.
“I would appreciate if schools were to assist their athletes financially so that they attend all their tournaments. Schools should also express an interest in our athleticism that is commenting or ask about recent games to show that they are well aware of our extracurricular activities. They should also educate other students and some teachers who look down upon those who do sports,” said Sitemere.
Morgan Mkwanila (15), Ndarama High school form 3 learner said he started playing tennis as he was inspired by his parents and his role model Novack Djokovic.
“I started playing tennis in 2015 when I was 7 years. I chose tennis because I had passion for it and my parents and role model Novack Djokovic inspired me,” said Mkwanila.
He added that he only trains during weekends as he will be at school during the week.
“I usually go to training on weekends as I will be at school during the weekdays and when organising training sessions and tournaments, my coach Privy makes sure that these won’t clash with my studies and I’m grateful because that makes me balance the two. I’ve played at so many tournaments so far and I have 32 medals. In January this year, I was selected to play for Zimbabwe U 16 national team in the zonal games for the Southern region,” he added.
The young player wishes to play for the national team and also encouraged others to be athletes as it keeps the mind healthy and drug free.
“I wish to play professional tennis one day and be one of the best players in Zimbabwe while also helping upcoming players. I also wish to play for Zimbabwe in the senior tennis team one day. Those who want to be student-athlete should go for it as it helps a lot because it keeps mind healthy and helps you to excel academically and this drug era student-athlete will be on the safe side because they’ll be busy,” added Mkwanila.
Mkwanila also urged schools to support sporting activities financially.
“Yes, I think schools should support young athletes. Schools should support them financially, providing sporting equipment’s and time for training and competitions.
Tatenda Dehwe also from Ndarama High School said he started playing tennis in 2015 out of passion.
“I started to play tennis in 2015 at the age of 7. I chose to play tennis because l was so passionate about the sport and my role model Novak Djokovic inspired me. I hope that one day I would go far with the sport earning a better living,” said Dehwe.
He added that he only practise once a week as he will be at school during the week and only go for tournaments during holidays.
“I only practise on Saturdays for three hours from 9am to 12pm. From Monday to Friday, l will be focusing on school work because of my school’s timetable which is from 7am to 5pm and because of tight school timetable, I am being forced to play at tournaments during the holidays only. I have managed to collect 22 medals from a few tournaments that I have participated at,” he added.
Dehwe also added that his goal is to be someone’s role model and he also advised fellow peers to be involved in sporting activities.
“I wish to be a professional tennis player and my number one goal is to be someone else’s role model. I also want to advise someone thinking of becoming a tennis athlete not to think twice but just work hard in sport and academically as well as being patient as greener pastures are ahead,” he said.
Being a young athlete takes dedication, time management and passion for a certain sport.
