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Leonard Ncube in Victoria Falls
VICTORIA Falls-based wheelchair tennis player Shepherd Banda is appealing for financial assistance to travel to Brazil where he has been invited to a tournament set for the end of this month.

The 23 year-old, who has won a number of accolades at home and abroad, says he needs about $7 000 to cover registration, six rackets and wheelchair, excluding visa and air fare.

“I have been invited to a tournament this month in Brazil, but I might fail to participate due to lack of funds. The tournament is an open challenge starting on September 28. My record of play is what gave me recognition,” said Banda.

“I am facing challenges keeping my career going because of lack of sponsorship and this has kept me out of the game for a long time.”

He said wheelchair tennis was his only source of income, hence lack of game time affected his livelihood.

Banda also said he needs help to be able to participate in the Danhiko Games that run from October 3-5.

Banda has been a wheelchair tennis player since 2007 and is a two-time winner of the sportsman of the year with disability accolades in the country.

In 2015, Banda shone in South Africa where he beat Jooste Pieter 6-1, 6-1 to lift the South African Wheelchair Tennis trophy. – @ncubeleon