Vosloorus Development Programme, IC South Africa

Three development players from the Vosloorus program, the IC Philanthropy project in South Africa. had the time of their lives at the inter provincial over the weekend.

Due to the pandemic it was decided that this year the event would be region based with the inland provinces meeting in Johannesburg and Pretoria and the coastal regions at the coast to minimize travelling. The three regions of Gauteng plus Kwa Zulu Natal (Free State were invited but did not participate) under 13 teams played at Ellis Park in Johannesburg and the under 19 teams in Pretoria. This put Gauteng East with the three strongest teams in the country and certainly gave our local province some insight as to the quality of play in the other provinces.

In the under 13 team Thando Xolo and Wandile Tshabalala (pictured together) acquitted themselves extremely well under their baptism of inter provincial tennis. Coach Michael Lelosa said, "They left their hearts on the court" and we could not ask for more of the kids seeing as it was their first experience of play at this level.

Likewise, Nkosikhona Ubisi (in the green shirt), although he has represented his province before, came up against stronger opposition than he has faced when playing in tournaments, but again his team manager, Deserie Wilson said "You can be proud of his performances."

The lessons they have learnt will be a valuable stepping stone in their tennis career and they can only become better players for this type of experience and when they play in the next tournament in two weeks there is sure to be a noticeable improvement in their play.

We thank both Gauteng East junior committee for giving these players the opportunity and also commend Tennis SA for staging the event within the confines of Covid 19.