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The move is part of the board’s plans to resuscitate tennis in western sububs.

Adam Joelson, the Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Tennis Board chairman said Kindness Moyo of Emakhandeni was in charge of the training sessions at Mthombowesizwe as well as Emakhandeni Tennis Club.

“There are brilliant courts at Mthombowesizwe, Emakhandeni, Barbourfields and White City. Those should not be white elephants, they must be put to use and that is why as the board we have sent some of our coaches to offer training sessions at these areas. We want tennis to be played in all parts of the city.

“We are at Mthombowesizwe every Wednesday and we are grateful to the school authorities who agreed to let us teach their pupils as well as interested players from Entumbane,” said Joelson.

He challenged former players and coaches to contribute to the development of the sport by forming centres, which will offer proper training to aspiring junior players.

Joelson said most countries were introducing tennis centres as part of their developmental strategies and they were now reaping the rewards.

He said tennis facilities at schools and sports clubs should be utilised for developmental projects.

“It is quite encouraging that there are people who have the sport at heart and are committed in the development of tennis from a tender age. People should take a stand and liaise with school officials and the community for use of the facilities.

Other countries like South Africa, Botswana and Egypt among others have these centres and you can see that their performances have improved at junior circuits.

“Tennis centres are more of academies where athletes are taught the sport from a tender age and those who are playing get time to perfect their skill. In my view if we could have more centres in the city we will have more players trained and thereby have a bigger pool of players graduating and competing for places in the provincial teams,” said Joelson.

Tendai Sibanda established a centre at Eveline High School a few years ago where players like Mehluli and Muzi Sibanda train.

Muzi won the boys Under-18 Bulawayo Closed Circuit after beating Bryn Langley in the final last year.

The Girls College Tennis Centre has attracted players from Dominican Convent, St Columbus, Gifford, Christian Brothers College and primary schools Whitestone and Henry Low.

Joelson also appealed for assistance from the corporate world.

“If you look at the state of Mthombowesizwe courts, they are classy and it is only a matter of time before a tennis centre that will benefit the community is set up. As a board we believe there are talented players in those areas and they only need a place where they can be nurtured.

“Our major setback has been lack of resources to drive some of the projects hence we are appealing for assistance from all stakeholders that is the corporate world, well-wishers, parents and the sport lovers,” said Joelson.