GA-RANKUWA TENNIS CLUB BOUNCES ON EMPTY GAPS!

By Koketso Ramorei

There is a saying that “talent is born and not made!”

This is popularised by the olden theory by the Great Man, popularised in the 1800 by Thomas Carlyle, which suggested that leadership traits are intrinsic, meaning that great leaders are born.

These simple terms could be the simplification of introducing Ernest Sefolo, Ga-Rankuwa Tennis Club coach, following his commitment to unearth the hidden talents of the sport, made up of the bouncing ball and racket.

For many years, even though tennis is not one of the top sporting codes in townships, Sefolo has made it popular with the support from parents, and now Ga-Rankuwa has an avalanche of promising stars who are kept busy every weekend participating in an assortment of events organised by Tennis SA (TSA).

Sefolo is a true symbol that “talent is born, not made” and is imparting his expertise to the interested kids – excellence simplified. 

While some individuals may possess natural aptitudes or predispositions that make certain skills easier to acquire, talent is generally developed through a combination of innate potential and dedicated effort, including training, practice, and experience. 

Recently, in a statement from their social media page, the Ga-Rankuwa Tennis Club concluded their Youth Month on a high note after participating in championships across the region.

They were given a pat on the back by popular radio sport presenter Rorisang Matea on Ga-Rankuwa FM, who gave the players a studio radio experience at their George Mukhari Hospital station.

Among those who expressed their delight after being featured on Matea’s show were their Under-18 girl star, Tlotlo “Naomi Osaka” Sello, boys (U-12) Sibonisiwe “Novak Djokovic” Nkosi, Under-18 female player, Onthathile “Coco Gauff” Qavana), Onalenna “Rafael Nadal” Motsepe (U-14), and Under-12 junior boys’ player Ayabonga “Fana” Ngcobo.

Recently, the Ga-Rankuwa Club were given tennis equipment by Tennis SA for their development work, which has boosted their possibilities of shining bright.

Sefolo took the coaching reins after realising the shortage and kept the fire burning at the deteriorating Western Sports Grounds tennis courts).

Without any proper courts, Sefolo didn’t get dampened but persevered and is now about to reap rewards for his excellence.

Alongside Amogelang Kepadisa, Sefolo has been growing stronger with each set, ensuring they keep to their mission of developing further the craft in Ga-Rankuwa.