By Anthony Moruthane.
A former top-ranked player at the University of Limpopo, Thembi Mathobela has been a teacher for the last 13 years, and since taking part in the programme she has started a tennis programme at Letlotlo Primary School in Seshego.
As part of Tennis South Africa’s ongoing efforts to grow and develop the game across the country, BNP Paribas has announced it will continue to play a key role in this process by renewing its sponsorship of the national Coaches Mentorship programme for the fifth straight year.
The BNP Paribas Coaches Mentorship programme has been tremendously successful since it was launched in 2018, with 345 individuals having benefited from the annual project. Of these coaches, 55% have been women and 78% are currently involved in active coaching. The ripple effect of the programme extends beyond the coaches themselves with the 107 coaches from year 4 coaching 1760 players.
The programme seeks to equip South Africans – particularly from historically disadvantaged communities, with knowledge and skills to help them make an impact in their communities. Of the 345 coaches who have been empowered over past four years, 90% of these individuals are from previously disadvantaged communities.
CEO of BNP Paribas Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) South Africa, Kieran Fahy, commented: “We are delighted that the BNP Paribas’ Coaching Mentorship Programme will be continuing for a fifth year. BNP Paribas has been working for many years to set up committed and responsible sponsorship of various tennis initiatives across the world.
Not only is this part of our tradition to support the sport, but this programme also reflects BNP Paribas’ Environmental, Social and Governance values by supporting positive impact programmes that promote equal opportunities and the inclusion of previously disadvantaged people.
The programme goes hand in hand with BNP Paribas and Tennis SA’s other flagship tennis programme, BNP Paribas Rising Star Tennis, which seeks to promote grassroots tennis in schools. We believe that there is immense potential for these two initiatives to support the growth of the sport in South Africa.”
For 53-year-old Lindiwe Mochoele, the BNP Paribas Coaches Mentorship programme has indeed been a game changer, and the former volunteer coach from Mamelodi has completed courses to develop beginner and beginner / intermediate players in South Africa.
Today, Mochoele is a full-time Academy Development coach at Curro Pretoria – a leading independent school network in South Africa.
A former top-ranked player at the University of Limpopo, Thembi Mathobela has been a teacher for the last 13 years, and since taking part in the programme she has started a tennis programme at Letlotlo Primary School in Seshego.
Similarly, Emily Kutumela completed the TSA Play Tennis Course (based on the international tennis federation syllabi) through the BNP Paribas Coaches Mentorship programme in 2018, and she has gone on to launch the Sunrise Tennis Academy at Nelspruit Tennis Club and Malelane Tennis Club in Mpumalanga which caters to over 200 kids.
“These are just some of the ways the BNP Paribas Coaches Mentorship programme has helped not only the coaches who are directly involved but has also given the sport a stronger foundation as we try to ensure we are taking tennis to people in all areas of South Africa,” said Tennis South Africa CEO Andre Homan.
“We are proud to partner with BNP Paribas for the fifth year as we continue to create opportunities for enthusiastic coaches and the players who are mentored by them.”
During the 2022 BNP Paribas Coaches Mentorship programme, which starts in June, participants will be offered various training sessions and workshops, as well as other benefits to help them grow in their roles:
- Access to Continuous Professional Development coaching workshops
- Additional skills training, including business administration, computer skills, first aid and child protection
- Work integrated learning at TSA Growthpoint Development Centres or TSA-accredited Centres of Apprenticeship
- Assistance with drafting CVs and job placements as tennis coaches
- Sponsorship of their 2022/23 TSA coach registration fees
- Sponsorship to attend TSA coaching courses
The BNP Paribas Coaches Mentorship Programme is part of a larger partnership between BNP Paribas and Tennis SA that seeks to boost transformation within the sport.