Tennis talent Pauline Chawafambira, recently awarded a four-year scholarship to Eastern Arizona College in the US, has her sights set on an international trophy and a chance to raise high the country’s flag.
The Mantas Tennis Academy student, whose strength on the court and incredible personality, saw her rise quickly up the sporting ladder, said the move to the US was her first step towards becoming a professional tennis player.
Chawafambira said her move to the US was a chance to celebrate her achievements and change perceptions that certain sports were for the elite.
The 19-year-old player has already had impressive victories at regional and local tennis tournaments. “Winners never quit and those who quit never win. If you don’t take advantage of opportunities to unlock your potential, you miss a 100 per cent chance to excel and realise your dreams,” she said.
Chawafambira told The Zimbabwean that sporting talent in Zimbabwe was left undiscovered and not nurtured. As a result, the country continued to lag behind in world rankings in sports such as tennis, swimming and basketball.
“I am number 221 in the world rankings. I believe that this opportunity presents a platform for me to play college tennis in the US and get exposure in the international community which in turn will see me go up the ladder in the world ranking,” said Chawafambira.
She said she is optimistic of coming back to the country armed with professional training, coaching and expertise, which she can pass on to the younger generation as a way of increasing the international visibility of the country in tennis.
Born in Mutare, she did her primary schooling at Dangamvura before moving to Mutare Girls High, where she finished her O levels in 2012. She recalled how her English teacher awakened her love of tennis.
“Mrs Mukono made time to motivate and teach me the basics of tennis,” she said. “Although I had started playing tennis at the age of four at Dangamvura primary school, together with my brother Tatenda, my teacher nurtured that interest.”
With several trophies to her name, including the 2013 Zambia, Malawi and Botswana Open competitions, Chawafambira called for more support for sporting initiatives in the country. She won the 2013 Manicaland Open tournament, and was the runner-up in the singles at the African Junior Championship in Nigeria in 2012. She was the winner of the Gauteng Open in South Africa in 2012 and the Under 18 circuits runner-up in Namibia 2012.
“Sports development is not government responsibility alone and there is need for more sponsors to come on board and assist in strengthening the discipline,” she said.
“The private sector should work with government especially at the grassroots level because children from disadvantaged background are talented but that talent goes to waste.”
She attributes her success in tennis to determination and persistence in achieving excellence. She believes that young girls and women should be focused on targeted goals and should never look back, whatever their circumstances.
“Parents should support their children if they show that they are interested in sports, regardless of their gender,” said Chawafambira, adding that she is where she is now because of the support from her family.
“Young girls should stay focused on set targets, be disciplined and not do things that divert them from being successful,” she said.
“I was taught to believe in myself and never give up. I believe that every young girI should put 110 per cent effort into everything they do and be principled. Their dreams will come true,” said Chawafambira.
Post published in: Sport