Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
IN 2016, Hilton Sithole and Steward Mandiyenga – both from Muswera Primary– represented the Chipinge-based school at the national tennis competitions.
A year later, Marlon Mapeto, from the same school, came third at district tennis competitions, and in 2018, three other players – Evidence Marima, Harmony Sithole and Shadreck Sithole – came second in their respective age groups at provincial tennis competitions.
Shadreck repeated the same feat in the 2023 provincial competitions, while Gladys Sangu, from the same school, came third in the provincial competitions this year.
The achievements, which cannot be matched by well-resourced urban school teams, demonstrate how the Muswera Primary School tennis team is resilient amidst lack of resources.
This also puts to the fore the need for the private sector and player agents to deploy the necessary resources at the school’s disposal so that it can effectively hone the skills of its tennis players.
Tucked in the thickets of Dayshill rural community along the road to Mt Selinda Mission, Muswera Primary School has a dedicated tennis team that has shown remarkable achievements since its formation in 2015.
However, the team faces significant challenges to develop the talent at its disposal so that the tennis players can bloom into well rounded professionals.
The school’s tennis coach, Stephen Mapandisana, said despite their exploits, they lack a dedicated tennis court to hone the team’s skills.
“Among some of our current challenges include lack of proper tennis courts. The team currently does not have access to a dedicated tennis court, which hinders the ability to practice and develop the players’ skills effectively.
“Shortage of tennis balls and rackets has also been a major challenge. The team lacks sufficient supply of tennis balls and rackets, which limits the number of players that can participate in training sessions and competitions.
“The absence of proper uniforms has also militated against the professional development, and participation of our players in training and competitive matches. The team does not have access to proper uniforms, which has negatively impacted their morale and sense of team identity,” he said.
Despite all these challenges, Muswera Primary School tennis team has consistently performed and produced results in various competitions, which showcases the dedication, determination and potential of its players.
In its funding proposal document, Muswera Primary tennis team wants to construct a tennis court to improve the training and performance of the team.
“Funds are needed to construct a dedicated tennis court on the school premises to provide the team with a reliable and consistent training environment as well as securing funds to purchase a sufficient number of tennis balls, rackets, and other essential equipment to enable more players to participate in training and competitions.
“Team uniforms – providing the team with proper uniforms will boost their morale, foster a sense of team unity, and help them represent their school and community with pride. By addressing these critical needs, the Muswera Primary tennis team will be better equipped to continue its impressive performance and provide the players with the resources they need to reach their full potential,” reads part of the document.
Mapangisana said the tennis team has demonstrated its resilience and talent, despite challenges in mobilising adequate resources.
“With the necessary funding, the team can overcome these obstacles, and continue to excel, bringing pride, and recognition to their school and community,” he said.
