Young players tune up for schools nationals

More than 30 young tennis players competed in a doubles tournament at Suiderhof Primary School in Windhoek on Saturday as part of their preparations for the National Schools Tennis Tournament.

Players from Dar-E-Zahra, Heritage Private School, Kleine Professor College (KPC) and hosts Suiderhof competed across the U10, U12 and U14 age groups.

Event organiser and coach Joyce Zussion said the tournament was staged to give the players competitive court time ahead of the schools nationals on 19 September at Central Tennis Courts in Windhoek.

She said the doubles format also allowed the youngsters to work on teamwork, communication and match play before the national competition.

The tournament further formed part of efforts to encourage young players to remain involved in tennis beyond primary school and continue competing through high school and university.

Zussion said creating regular playing opportunities at grassroots level is important to help young players develop and remain connected to the sport.

Group winners

Red Group U10: 1 Richardine De Wall, Angeline Swarts, Moriah Hamatwi and Alisha Mwanyangapo; 2 Zeus Dos Santos, Erwin Kalimbo, Muhupwa Olivia Kahepako and Pauleahndra Goemus.

Orange Group U12: 1 Jeremia Kamati, Penouua Ngunouandy, Supernova Kambongarera and Pauline Kateya; 2 Elzaan Dieterle, Alexandria Diergaard, Joyce Veico and Ndapewa Nghimwenavali.

Green Group U14: 1 MJ Mouton, Byron Boois and Jorize De Waal; 2 Ar-Rahim Muvungo, Huzaifa Kamram, Chiara Zussino and Ukutura Ua-Ndjarakana.

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