Kabelo Tlhape, a Vaal University of Technology (VUT) alumnus and current coach of VUT Tennis Club, was announced as Coach of the Year 2019 by Tennislab SA.
This was the first initiative by Tennislab SA to acknowledge tennis coaches who are doing a great job within the sport fraternity.
Born and raised in Rustenburg, Kabelo started with his qualification in 2011 and joined VUT Tennis in 2015. He acquired his National Diploma and B-Tech in Information Technology while playing his favourite sport.
He was elected a couple of times as chairperson of VUT Tennis Club until 2018 when the coach left. He took over as an interim coach and worked closely with the coach until he was appointed to the post himself.
“I love and enjoy playing tennis,” he said, adding that sports should be voluntary and should be taken as an extra subject for after hours.
He listed a few qualities that will help a person to make it as a tennis player:
- Sportsmanship;
- Respect;
- Abide by the rules;
- Be disciplined; and
- Commitment and consistency.
In closing, he said: “Tennis is an individual sport; you need to find motivation within yourself to make it.”
To be part of the VUT Tennis Club, visit the Sports Officer, Mr Eric Mofokeng or contact Coach Kabelo on 073 473 6840 or email: kabelot@vut.ac.za
Article by: Nontobeko Zondi
