ASHER MOYO
SPORTS REPORTER
MASVINGO CITY-Masvingo Tennis Academy (MTA) is hosting an Open Provincial Junior Tennis Tournament starting today till Sunday at Masvingo Sports Club.
The provincial tournament is meant to promote the development of the sport in the province. Participants will take part in the Under-10, 12, 14,16 and 18 categories.
In an interview with Midweek Watch Sport this morning, MTA administrator and coach, Benias Mapepeta said the tournament is open to other provinces. He also added that about 50 players have confirmed their participation in the tournament.
“It’s open for players from other provinces nationwide who are coming because of the competition that Masvingo brings at national level. So far more than 50 players from Masvingo Province are taking part. Most players are from the local urban schools while some come from Chiredzi and some from Zaka while others come from as far as Renco,” he said.
For their efforts, those who will come out tops in the competition will get gold medals while second runner- up will take home silver medals. Third runner up will get bronze medals.
There will be sponsored gift packages for the winners comprising of kids goodies.
Mapepeta said their aim as an academy is to host such tournaments regularly.
“This is our second time to host this type of a tournament though the first was only invitational. Our aim is to host these tournaments regularly since they are developmental in nature and they offer our players competitive play.
“With these tournaments, we will have more players from Masvingo participating in the national team and lots more getting scholarships overseas. We will be having a Tour to South Africa in December for more exposure for our players. We hope to bring lots of medals,” he said.
