A simple activity turned into a passion for Majesty Masanga, a 12-year-old from Langebaan.
She is ranked eighth in the Top 10 of Tennis South Africa, and this is due to all her hard work and dedication to the sport.
Majesty started playing tennis in 2020, to pass the time at the height of Covid, not knowing how this would mushroom into a passion that would take her places.
She said she loves challenges, and tennis challenges not only ones body but brain as well.
“I love the discipline of the sport; it’s truly is a gentleman’s or woman’s sport, and part of this how great tennis outfits look; the sport really has the best-ever clothing!”
Majesty tries to practise at least five hours a week at mimimum, and says balancing studies and sport is tough.
“To keep up with the rankings we need to play as many tournaments as possible. Tennis South Africa tournaments are three days minimum, which means I miss school mostly on a Friday. I am in Grade 7, which has a huge workload. So after school I have to go and train before doing homework, which is quite a load.”
She said her “tennis diary” has played a significant part in all she has accomplished in which “I write all my plans and strategies.
“I also love listening to high-beat music, I love to dance the stress away, and even in a match when emotions get the best of me you will find me dancing and singing on the tennis court and, of course, praying, praying and praying.”
With great support from her father, who is also her coach, and a mother who truly champions her, Majesty feels confident when tackling every game. “My family is very supportive. With dad as my coach he is with me at every session and encourages me to do my best, so I achieve the best, and my mom, the organiser of it all makes sure I am on time for each game or practice. She is at every game on the side of the court cheering me on; even when I’m playing badly she’s there clapping and giving hope.”
Majesty dreams of playing in the Grand Slam (the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open) in future, and winning it all. “I dream of turning professional, which I know I will. To play tennis one needs to be very dedicated and learn to stand on one’s own feet, especially on that huge tennis court, where one can’t be walked all over. More kids from the West Coast should play tennis, which is not very popular here, It’s a game that can take one the world over.”
