The popular KM Sports Premier Challenge tennis tournament will return to Selborne College’s courts on Wednesday after a two-year absence and promises to provide more fireworks and continue with its tradition of producing future stars.
The event was not held last year due to budget constraints despite numerous attempts to resume which saw organisers seek out financial partners from the private sector.
This led to prominent companies such as Premier Hotels and other private sector groups coming on board to join the Buffalo City Metro and ensure this year’s edition takes place.
KM Sports boss Khaya Majeke lamented the failure of the government to help sustain the tournament which has proved to be a breeding ground for tennis stars.
“We are seriously concerned as international and national events are dying in the Eastern Cape,” he said.
“We used to be among the top three provinces, with Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, which catered for international events as we hosted big sports such as boxing, bodybuilding, road running, legends marathons, Ironman triathlons and tennis, partnering with the provincial department of sports, recreation, arts & culture.
“We will continue to soldier on, but the absence of government support is hindering sport’s progress in the province and it needs to be addressed urgently.”
This year’s tournament has attracted tennis stars from around the country who will battle for a total of R100,000 in prize money.
Majeke promised that the 2023 tournament would surpass the previous participant numbers as more than 100 players had already entered.
Since the date was announced, organisers have been inundated with top players wanting to participate, including East London-born, US-based Khololwethu Montsi among them.
Montsi, who has represented SA at Gram Slam junior events, will be joined by other Eastern London-born stars such as Nikhil Naidoo, Abigail Vosloo, Mbali Madolo and Lonwabo Majeke, who is Khaya’s daughter.
The recognition of the tournament as one of the official Tennis SA events means players competing are eligible to accumulate points to improve their rankings.
Majeke said the event was spreading beyond the borders of the country to the SADC region owing to its prestige as a single private tennis tournament.
After discussions with the Eastern Cape Sports Council and the provincial tennis association, about 30 players at the development stage will be allowed to participate free of charge.
Majeke urged players to register before Friday’s closing time of 11.45pm.
The tournament will be televised at a later stage by SuperSport.
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