DAR ES SALAAM: EIGHT African nations have confirmed to participate in the week-long U-14 Junior Tennis Championship scheduled to begin on April 6 this Sunday at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana courts.
The seven-day tournament will climax at the same venue on April 13th this year.
Speaking to journalists in the city today, Tanzania Tennis Association (TTA) Vice President Rajabu Borry expressed excitement about the event, noting that it marks the first time Tanzania is hosting a tournament for this age group.
The nations to be involved in the race for the tournament’s top honours include Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Algeria, South Africa, Nigeria, and the hosts, Tanzania.
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“We are grateful for the opportunity to host this prestigious tournament. In collaboration with the National Sports Council (NSC), preparations are going well, and our young players have been trained well for this tournament,” he said.
He emphasized the significance of the tournament in nurturing young players and preparing them for international competitions. Additionally, he urged various stakeholders to support the event, ensuring its successful execution.
Meanwhile, Head Coach of the national youth tennis team, Majuto Majaliwa, affirmed that the team has undergone rigorous training and participated in multiple competitions to enhance their performance.
Coach Hamis Chande, also echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that hosting the tournament is a great honor for Tanzania. He noted that it has been many years since the country last hosted a youth tennis event, with the most recent one catering to players under 12 years old.
“We are working closely with stakeholders to ensure that this tournament is well-organized and brings pride to Tanzania,” he said.