Most promising players in East Africa

By Oscar Pilipili

Kenyan juniors underlined their status as the most promising players in Eastern Africa after they lifted three crowns in ongoing African Junior Championship Qualifiers in Burundi.

The pair of Stephanie Mbaya and Cherryl Fuasso combined efforts to beat Edna John and Sarah Bura of Tanzania 6-3, 6-2 in girls’ under-14 doubles final.

Michelle Onyancha and Damaris Musera beat Meron Getu and Tamiru Dinknesh of Ethiopia 6-3, 6-3 to lift girls’ doubles under-16 crown.

Inspired by the performance of their girls, Kenyan boys did not disappoint as Ismael Changawa and Ibrahim Kibet beat Matias Amsalu and Tirahun Habtamu of Ethiopia 7-6, 6-4 to win under-16 category.

Michelle Onyancha (left) Damaris Musera, who beat Ethiopia’s Meron Getu and Tamiru Dinknesh in the girls’ doubles. Photos Jonah Onyango: Standard

According to coach Joe Magic, if Onyancha and Fuasso win their singles final in under-16 and under-14, then Kenya will win overall title.

"In my view Kenyans will form the bulk of East Africa Zone team for the AJC," Magic told FeverPitch on telephone from Bujumbura.

HIGH SPIRITS

"Our juniors are in high spirits with focus on the African event," he added.

Martin Luveka of Zion Zone Tennis Foundation in Kiebra who was making his first appearance at such stage did not win any match but the national coach said the junior has great potential.

"Luveka played very well and with more exposure he will be one of the players to watch in the next few years," he predicted.

Magic said the Bujumbura team if well nurtured could take Kenyan tennis to the next level.

"All these players here have the potential to play in Federation Cup with proper training," he said.

The Burundi tournament is being used as qualifying round for AJC that will be played in Egypt in April.

Meanwhile, Musera is looking forward to start her one-year talent scholarship in South Africa.

The former Loreto Convent Valley Road student is scheduled to depart for High Performance Training Centre in Pretoria immediately after the AJC Qualifiers.

Her coach Magic said the player is highly motivated with her performance at the AJC Qualifiers.

"Musera’s wish was to win some matches here to improve on her tennis profile as she heads to South Africa," said Magic.

"She has achieved her goal by winning the doubles and she is very happy," said the coach.

Musera’s scholarship is renewable depending on her performance at the Centre.