Thirteen-year-old Kutlwano Maremeni carries a Grand Slam dream that defies her years, and after a world-renowned tennis academy in Spain has extended an invitation, her journey to becoming a champion hinges on securing the necessary financial support.
Maremeni says her goal to secure the much-needed financial backing has been a slow road, but she is not giving up hope.
“It has been a challenge as I have not had any sponsors come forward as yet, as I embark on the journey to attend one of the best academies in Spain.”
South Africa U14 Top-10 Tennis Talent, Kutlwano Maremeni
“However, I am hopeful that someone out there will relate to my story, a story of a young girl chasing big tennis dreams!”
She added that being able to fulfil this dream would be a big step in one day becoming a well-known tennis player, not just in South Africa but in the world.
“It would mean that I would get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get the highest level of training to enable me to compete with the best in the world and hopefully put South Africa on the map by going pro.”
Maremeni’s message to potential sponsors shows her heart and determination to achieve her goal of being a top-ranked player in the years to come.
“I am hardworking, dedicated, and passionate about tennis. Their investment will allow me the opportunity to live out my dream, and I will set a positive example to the youth that anything is possible – it takes a village to raise a child, and my potential sponsors will be part of my journey to greatness.”
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, she joined the High-Performance Tennis Program at Curro Tennis Academy. It is here that Maremeni’s true passion for tennis was ignited.
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Later that year, she earned the opportunity to attend a training camp at the world-renowned Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in France, the same place that has trained some of the greatest names in the sport. It was there that she made a life-changing decision: tennis wouldn’t just be a passion, it would be her career.
Her credentials speak for themselves as Maremeni has been participating in Tennis South Africa tournaments since 2023 and in 2024, and joined an elite high-performance academy in Potchefstroom, to prepare her for International Tennis Federation competitions.
She is currently ranked in the Top 10 for U14 girls, and to add to her already impressive achievements, the Grade 8 pupil represented KwaZulu-Natal in the Inter-Provincial Tournament U13 held in Pretoria, one of eight girls selected for the South African Schools Team in 2024.
How does the teenager keep herself motivated? According to Maremeni, there are a few things she focuses on to make sure her inspiration doesn’t waver.
“I keep myself motivated by watching and researching other pro tennis players- this helps me realise daily how possible it is for me to also be like them. I watch the tennis channel all the time at home as well.”
When it comes to who it is that inspires her on the court, she shared that none other than Coco Gauff and GOAT Serena Williams.
“Coco Gauff inspires me because she never gives up and is very fierce. She also won two Grand Slams so far and she is only 21 years old. Serena Williams is the greatest tennis player of all time- she plays an aggressive style which is how I like playing and has won 23 Grand Slams.
Maremeni had this message for young girls who are aspiring to one day take up tennis.
“Go for it, it is an amazing sport, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve whatever you dream of achieving in tennis. Never give up and trust yourself.”
Main Photo Caption: Thirteen-year-old Kutlwano Maremeni carries a Grand Slam dream that defies her years, and after a world-renowned tennis academy in Spain has extended an invitation, her journey to becoming a champion hinges on securing the necessary financial support. All Photos: Supplied
Photo 2 Caption: The youngster has been invited to train at a top tennis academy in Spain and requires financial backing to turn her dream into reality.
Photo 3 Caption: Ranked Top 10 nationally for U14 girls, Maremeni also represented KZN at the U13 IPT, and made the 2024 SA Schools Team.
Photo 4 Caption: Who is it that inspires Maremeni on the court? Maremeni doesn’t hesitate to call out Coco Gauff and GOAT Serena Williams.
Photo 5 Caption: Maremeni: “I am hopeful that someone out there will relate to my story, a story of a young girl chasing big tennis dreams!”
