Thembo Makhanya of Westville Boys’ High School has been named as Captain of the South African Schools’ Tennis Team for their tour to the UK this month.
Thembo has made a name for himself as one of the top junior players in his age-group in the country and, as the captain and number 1 player of his school, has spurred a young Westville team to a string of impressive results this season.
Headmaster Trevor Hall paid tribute to his attributes: “Thembo has obvious talent as a player, but it his high work ethic, emotional intelligence and maturity that have ensured his success. Despite being only in Grade 11, his selection as the SA Schools captain is well-deserved and we are very proud of him”.
Tembo is the only KZN representative in the national side, and leads a team of 12 of the country’s top juniors for two fixtures against the Academy of Glastonbury and the Sutton Academy, both of which contain some of the world’s top junior tennis players. The team will also experience the atmosphere of the first week of Wimbledon, giving them the opportunity to witness the manner in which the today’s stars prepare for a major event.
The team comprises: Thembokwakhe Makhanya (KZN, Captain), Hubert Badenhorst, Sandil Bhika, Khanya Ramokgopa, James Weatherhead (Gauteng North), Hugh Morgan, Chao-Hong Peng, Juan-Louis Van Antwerpen (Gauteng Central), Wikus Robbertse (Boland), Charles Morkel (Western Province), Jandre Viljoen (Eastern Province) and Ryan Little (Border).