Story by Mthokozisi Dube
RISING Emakhandeni tennis star, Princess Dube, is defying all odds by posting impressive results despite a challenge in acquiring equipment.
Nestled in the Western part of Bulawayo, Emakhandeni Tennis Court has served as a platform to nurture budding tennis talent as big names have come and gone from the facility and all eyes are now on 11-year-old Dube who continues to raise the bar.
From a modest family, Dube started playing tennis at four playing in local tournaments, having come out top in open tournaments held in Masvingo, Mutare and Bulawayo last year.
She believes the international stage is calling for her although resource constraints are the only impediment for the girl to demonstrate what she is made of.
“I started playing tennis at four and my wish is to participate in international tournaments but I have no one to take care of the costs,” she said.
The 11-year-old takes to the court for the annual Tarreign Leigh De Souza tournament and has since secured a scholarship at Masiyephambili College and believes the sport is her gateway to a better future.
Emakhandeni Tennis Club coach, Michael Mlambo believes the sky is the limit for Dube.
“The facility has done well. We enrol a bigger number here but Princess stands out at the moment. Our wish is for her to have a feel of international tournaments. We have different age groups but the challenge we have is that the two courts are not enough for good practice,” he said.
Emakhandeni Tennis Court has seen big names like the United States-based pair of Zamani Moyo and Tinashe Hwata, as well as Akilla Khanye and Courage Ndlovu carving their careers in a facility domiciled in the Western suburbs, but is now in dire need of attention.
