Two New Kids Chosen For Inter Provincial Team

Over the past two weekends, Gauteng East Tennis Association have held trials for next years inter provincial teams. What I find difficult to fathom is that they are holding the inter schools week early in January just literally a week after the schools go back from their long summer holiday. It really is a strange decision in my mind.

We entered eight of the Vosloorus kids into the trials and whereas in the past we have consistently had two or more chosen, this year the main contenders moved out of under 15 into the under 19 age group.

I find that the jump from under 15 to under 19 is too great for those just moving up to be competitive. Having said that two of the players made it through to the knockout stages after a round robin event to reduce the players to the top eight.

However, it was in the lower age group that we unearthed some more talent and had one player chosen for the under 13 team and one in the under 15 team. Siya Silinga continued to impress us with her composure and ability in the under 13 event and finished a highly creditable 6th to be chosen. This is another step forward for this talented young gritty player.

Tshepang Monama, who only joined the group last year when he arrived in Vosloorus immediately impressed us with his ability and we have been nurturing him and were rewarded when he finished 7th after losing his first round knock out match to the number 1 seed. So, he too, will represent the province.

This is a feather in their caps and very rewarding to see their progress acknowledged by the province.

Angel Nkosi and Thando Zolo finished 8th and 10th in the under 19 having moved up from under 15. As I said earlier, I find it difficult to comprehend that there is a four year jump for the kids to overcome and watching some of their matches they ended up playing opponents who were bigger, stronger and had far more experience than our players. However, their time will come.

Banele Xolo impressed with her consistent play winning the back draw after having lost to the number 1 seed in the round robin. Her progress has been solid and consistent throughout the year. Wandile Tshabalala, again playing first year under 19, showed good improvement in his play and particularly his movement around the court. But being small for his age, he was outclassed by bigger and stronger players sometimes three years his senior, but his tenacity and grit were to be applauded.

I knew going into the event that those who had moved up into the higher age group would struggle but all credit to them for winning some matches even if in the back draw and their determination cannot be faulted.

Banele Xolo