Clay courts could ruin Mogopodi's chances

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Tuesday March 27, 2012 00:00

 

Sibanda said Mogopodi, Botswana's only representative in the prestigious tournament, was prepared in every way for the competition, but pointed that playing on a clay court, the weather and being coached by a new mentor could work against her. 

'She has developed consistency, technical execution, her fitness levels have improved and her confidence is on a high and she is really looking forward to it.'I'm saying all these things with confidence because I expect her to do well although she will face a few challenges,' Sibanda told Mmegi Sport.

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) last month confirmed that the courts at the Smash Tennis Academy, the venue of the tournament, are clay courts.Sibanda believes that could affect her negatively. 'The clay court will be a challenge because she has never played on one before and the weather in North Africa is completely different.It's a very humid.

'Again, she will work with a new coach at the tournament because no one will travel with her - those are some of the things that may affect her,' he said.He, however, believes the three-day camp from Saturday to next Tuesday will be enough for her to adjust. ITF have also organised a four-day warm up tournament that has been dubbed Egypt International Junior Championships before the actual competition starts on April 9 - 13.

Mogopodi will be under the tutelage of either South African, Riaan Kruger or Thierry Ntwale, who have been tasked to mentor the youngsters. The two are ITF's development coaches.Sibanda said it would have been costly for the Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) to send a local coach with Mogopodi.Mogopodi, ranked eighth in the region, said her preparations were going on well under the guidance of Sibanda, who is also a development officer at BTA. She leaves for Cairo on Thursday.