Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
MANTAS Tennis Academy prodigy, Ronan Tashinga Mtisi, was the toast of the ITF 18 and Under Tournament played at Bulawayo Country Club courts recently.
The crucial tennis competition had its first leg from May 20 to 25, while the second leg was played from May 27 to last Sunday.
The St Dominic’s High School Form Four learner dominated a number of local tournaments of his age group, and went on to translate his supremacy on a much bigger stage in Bulawayo where he faced unfamiliar opponents, but still managed to remain assertive.
Vincent Nyatoti, the Mantas Tennis Academy administrator-cum-coach praised the representatives of the academy, and singled out Mtisi for honours.
“The performance by the players from Manicaland, both in the first leg and second leg of the ITF 18 and Under Tournament played in Bulawayo was just magnificent.
“They did us proud and managed to maintain the status of Manicaland as a powerhouse in the game in the country. It was a good and impressive performance, well deserved to everyone who took part.
“We just want to thank everyone who was part of the campaign for leaving an indelible mark in the international event for Mantas, Manicaland and Zimbabwe at large. We sincerely urge them to keep working hard, the sky is the limit. A big thank you to the coaching and administration team,” said Nyatoti.
Mtisi scooped gold in the singles, and went on to partner Cuan Western of South Africa in the doubles, where the duo snatched another gold medal.
Fellow Mantas Academy player, Thandiwe Nkala bowed out in the semi-finals of the competition.
Tendekai Musabaeka played in the singles where he ended in the quarterfinals.
Singles semi-finalist, Clandestine Kudakwashe Ndiringepi partnered Hwata Makanaka in the doubles.
