Story by Mthokozisi Dube
NOW in its 15th year, the annual Tarryn Leigh de Souza tournament held in honour of the late tennis star returned with a bang at two venues in Bulawayo this Monday.
From the dust streets of Emakhandeni, Emakhandeni High School student, Courage Ndlovu bagged gold in the under-16 category of the tournament.
The rising star believes the win is a step in the right direction as he prepares to improve rankings in the upcoming ITF tournaments set for next month.
“This is my third time featuring in this tournament. I have put enough preparations and I am happy I have won it before the ITF tournaments. I want to get better by each tournament and I am happy for myself,” winner, Courage Ndlovu said.
Makanaka Hwata got it right after winning in the under 18 boys category in a tournament she lost in the semi-finals last year.
Regina Zibowa triumphed in the girls under 18 category, while Minenhle Moyo was victorious in the under 16 category.
“It is a good platform to shine. We had stiff competition but I am happy I have made it,” a winner said.
“I started badly but had to bounce back. I am happy for the comeback and I look forward to the upcoming ITFs,” another winner said.
Tournament organiser and father to the late, Tarryn Leigh, Alison de Souza said they will continue to stage the memorial tournament in honour of the late tennis star.
“This is our fifteenth edition of course outside the COVID-19 disturbances. We are happy the tournament continues to attract the best talent but our worry is that the players disappear after they reach 18,” organiser, Alison de Souza.
The annual Tarryn Leigh de Souza tournament is now a permanent feature in the Bulawayo Metropolitan Tennis Board calendar as it seeks to celebrate the life of a late tennis star and also provide a platform for talent identification.
