Izuchukwu OkosiTunisia’s One Jabour is flying the continent’s flag high and could well become a world champion after almost reaching the milestone in recent grand slams before stuttering at the finish line.
Ahead of when the likes of Jabour retire from the sport, there are emerging talents on the courts ready to step up. Nigeria could produce players of that ilk in the near future.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelOne of such upcoming bright prospects is 12-year-old Lorelay Hoizendorff Senglide who is the reigning African champion in the African U-14 tennis category.
Prime Business Africa had an exclusive interview with the young lady whose mother is a Nigerian tennis coach.
Excerpts:
Congratulations on your recent feat at the African Junior Championship in Ghana where you won the title adding to your numerous feats. How would you describe the level of competition from your opponents?
Being African number one at the African Junior Championship is a great feeling. I’m happy but I know it’s just the beginning of a very long career. It makes me want to keep winning. I hope to achieve more highs in the sport.
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I won the Singles and Doubles tournament in Ghana and I could see that there are so many talented lawn tennis players. It was not quite an easy competition for me and that is a reflection of the enormous work that I have to put in to become what I hope to be.
You were also victorious in the tennis girls singles competition for Edo State during the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta state, defeating Goodness Aina of Ekiti State in the final to win the gold medal. That must be a confirmation of your fast-rising profile, isn’t it?
It was not an easy game actually. The girl (Goodness) was a tough nut to crack. She was really good. I just want to say a big thank you to the government of Edo State for the opportunity to represent the state underscoring the state’s developmental mission at the games.
In Nigeria, lawn tennis players have not often broken even. It’s relatively better in table tennis although that seems a distant memory now. What’s your hope for the game in Nigeria?
It’s not going to be an easy route understandably. Table Tennis has always been a part of the game that Nigeria, and of course Germany have participated in at the Olympics.
In Nigeria here, and Africa in general, the Grand Slams have spurred many young tennis players to aspire to higher levels. It seems most people saw table tennis as a stronghold and lawn tennis as more of a foreign thing.
You are the Nigerian and African number one player in your category. What are the challenges you have encountered on your rise in the sport?
It has not been easy to play at certain times. The Nigerian Table Tennis Federation has not approved participation in some competitions due to financial difficulties. An example is the tournament in Morocco that I couldn’t attend just before the tournament at the Lagos National Stadium in August.
I hope to be involved in most of these tennis tournaments as that is the only way to become one of the best, if not the best, in the world.
Who are your role models in tennis: Nigeria, and on the global stage?
Funke Oshinaike is someone to look up to albeit she plays table tennis. I have always been her fan since I started playing the game. On the global stage, it’s Serena Williams.
Williams is an inspiration to millions of young girls who want to be future stars of the sport.
What are your sporting aspirations in the next five years?
I want to win more laurels in my categories, remain the best in Africa and start playing in the grand slams. One Jabour is a beacon of hope for African tennis players and she looks poised to win a grand slam sooner than later. These are big players that have inspired me.
Ultimately, I would be delighted to start playing in the US Open.
You are German through your dad but also eligible to represent Nigeria at international tournaments because your mom is a Nigerian. She’s in fact a coach here in Nigeria.
When you grow older, which country would you be leaning towards for future Olympic Games?
(Chuckles) Well, the future will tell. At the moment, I don’t know what the future holds for me but when I am ready to decide on that, I believe it will be the best decision.
Aside from tennis, are there other sports you are good at?
I am also adept in other sports like swimming, gymnastics and athletics.
And how do you cope with the demands of the game because of your school?
I attend competitions that are held during the holidays. And when it becomes necessary to travel when the school is in session, my parents take permission from the school but it’s usually not longer than a couple of days.
What was the support like from your parents?
As you know already, Mom is a coach who has helped develop a lot of tennis talents. She literally taught me what I know today and still learning.
Dad was also supportive but always insisted that the sport must not come in the way of my studies. Yeah, they are the best (laughter).
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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