FROM THE ARUSHA NEWS REPORTER IN DAR ES SALAAM
Ali Rajabu (14) of AICC Tennis Club defeated Isaya Masatu (13) from Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club 6–2, 6–1 to win the national under-14 boys’ junior singles title at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club. The Kimaseki Secondary School Form Two pupil displayed brilliance and control to finish tops in straight sets.
On the other hand, Arusha Gymkhana celebrated on the girls’ side. Eleven-year-old Janeth Massawe beat Gracious Shayo (12) 6–0, 6–0 to claim the girls’ singles junior crown, before teaming up with her club-mate to defeat Highness Mfinanga and Faraja Mbise, also from Arusha Gymkhana, 6–1, 6–2 in the girls’ doubles final. The tournament brought together 31 juniors—21 boys and 10 girls—from across the country. Arusha was represented by Arusha Gymkhana Club (AGC), entering six players and AICC two. AGC’s Mbise (11) and Mfinanga (10) finished runners-up in girls’ doubles while Mbise placed third and Mfinanga fourth overall in the girls’ standings. In the boys’ draw, AGC’s Ibrahim Waziri (12) and Benard Singoyan (10) finished in fourth and fifth places respectively from a field of 21. AGC head coach Nicolaus Leringa praised his squad, saying they put on a very brave show in Dar es Salaam. He urged Gymkhana members to encourage their children to play tennis.
Despite fielding only two players due to financial constraints, AICC Tennis Club delivered the standout result through Rajabu’s national junior title. AICC coach Jackson Mdee welcomed the victory but noted the team’s challenges, saying they lack sponsors and now have no training venue as the former AICC grounds are being taken over for the mega international Conference Centre construction.
