By MARK LEMKE in Luanda
Hlumani Kekana is one of two tennis prodigies representing Team SA at the African Youth Games. He reached the quarter-final of the singles draw and the final of the mixed doubles where he and his partner Lonwabi Majeka won the silver medal.
The 16-year-old shared his plan going forward. “I grew up playing any and every sport I could. I didn’t care what it was, I loved it all. Tennis began for me when I was about nine. My dad and I were watching Roger Federer playing, it was an early round so of course he was dominating. It was mesmerising to watch and from that day I have been playing tennis.”
Family is everything to Kekana. He may come across quiet and reserved, but there is nothing he would not do for the ones he loves.
“I just want to make my parents proud. They have done so much for me, and I would not be here without them. I have a three-year-old brother who I love more than anything. One day he will reach an age where he can understand what I do. I want to be a big brother that he looks up to. My family gives me more reasons to fight and remain disciplined. I don’t want my little brother to grow up and enter this sport with shame and negative association attached to his name.”
Being out on the scorchingly hot court with momentum swung against you will cause most people to mentally cave. Kekana shows maturity and mental fortitude beyond his years, both of which blossomed recently. “Your mind is so powerful in tennis. It is something that I have really worked on and sometime last year things just clicked for me. I am really happy with how my game has developed.
“Look, I am not perfect. Yesterday I threw my racket in anger. I immediately apologised to my opponent and the officials. I regret it but it shows that I still have work to do to get to my best. I couldn’t qualify for the semis, but I am so happy Lonwabo (mixed doubles teammate) picked up the singles bronze.”
The hard-working tennis ace with a mean serve does not insert himself into the spotlight. Off the court he is always available to support his friends and family no matter what the task. “Sometimes I don’t like to show that I care when there’s a crowd, but when there is a moment one on one with someone, I have a good relationship with, then I will do anything I can to help them. Recognition for that isn’t necessary for me. I just want those around me to be okay.”
On the court, the spotlight finds him. That nine-year-old boy watching the great Federer flexing his skil
Photo: Frennie Shivambu
