A memorable group photo of winners and finalists in different categories of junior tennis open which was held at the Arusha Gymkhana Club, last week. (Photo by a Correspondent).
BY THE ARUSHA NEWS CORRESPONDENT
Arusha Gymkhana Club (AGC) emerged supreme at the 19th edition of the Eddie Kiddies Open Tennis Tournament which was played at the Arusha Gymkhana Club last weekend.
This year’s championship brought together more than 70 junior players from Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, Dodoma and Arusha, competing across age groups ranging from under-6 to under-18.
In the girls’ final under-6 category, Belinda Charles of Meru Clay Tennis Academy narrowly defeated Ester Lowassa from the AGC Youth Development Programme 11–9.
In the boys’ under-6 division, Rwahoko Massika, also from Meru Clay Tennis Academy, secured a convincing 11–4 victory over Kabby Kabiseko of Katoto Sports Academy, Dodoma.
The girls’ under-8 category saw Stephanie Wangwe of Katoto Sports Academy, Dodoma, overcome Sussana Thomas of Azura Fitness Club, Dar es Salaam, winning 13–11, 11–9. In the boys’ under-8 division, Aamir Hussein of Arusha Gymkhana Club delivered a brilliant 11–4, 11–4 win against Joseph Massawe from the AGC Youth Development Programme.
In the under-10 categories, Nasra Maulid of Katoto Sports Academy claimed the girls’ title with a 6–4 victory over Careen Mollel of AGC, while Lucas Mdee of Meru Clay Tennis Academy won the boys’ title, defeating Isaya Mollel of AGC 6–3.
The girls’ under-12 title went to Faraja Mbise of the AGC Youth Development Programme, who beat Milka Mgeni of Jou Ultra Sports Academy 6–3. In the boys’ under-12 division, Daniel Kiliani of Makongo Tennis Club edged past Benard Singoyan of AGC with a 6–4 win.
AGC continued its strong showing in the under-14 categories, where Janeth Massawe defeated fellow AGC player Gracious Shayo 6–2 in the girls’ final, while Ibrahim Sangali, also from AGC, triumphed over Yunus Semwali of Morogoro Gymkhana Club with a 6–2 scoreline in the boys’ final.
In the Girls Under-18 category, Faith Njamakuya of the AGC Youth Development Programme claimed victory over fellow AGC player Hadija Msangi with a 6–2 scoreline while in the Boys Under-18 division, Fred Cleofasi of AGC defeated Ibrahim Jibe of Morogoro Gymkhana Club 6–4 to secure the title.
The tournament once again highlighted the growing strength of youth tennis development in Tanzania, with AGC securing an impressive number of medals across several categories and reaffirming its position as a leading hub for junior tennis in the country.
Speaking on behalf of the organising committee, AGC coach Nicolas Leringa stressed the importance of sustained support in ensuring the tournament’s continued success.
He expressed appreciation to the sponsor, Eddy Husslage, for nearly two decades of commitment, noting that such backing has been instrumental in creating opportunities for young players.
He also acknowledged the role of players, coaches and parents, describing them as the foundation of the tournament’s vibrant and competitive environment and extended gratitude to Arusha Gymkhana Club for providing high-quality facilities that contributed to the smooth running of the event.
