11/09/2026
𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐨𝐧’𝐬 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚
Ian Chitanda, coach at Avivyo Kwene Academy, says his young players gained valuable experience at the Champion’s Haven National Junior Tennis Championship, and he hopes their performance will inspire more families to take up the sport.
Chitanda led a group of juniors from Zambia’s northern town to compete against some of the country’s best young players over the weekend.
”We are happy to participate in the Champions Haven National Junior Tennis Tournament,” he said. “The children will improve by playing with other children. I'm happy with their performance.”
For the coach, the value of the event goes beyond results. He said exposure to national competition helps children develop faster and shows parents what is possible through tennis.
”This experience will allow other parents to allow their kids to join tennis,” Chitanda explained. “Having one child win is statement and an encouragement to other children to work very hard.”
One of his players won their category, a result Chitanda described as important for both the Academy and the community in Mbala.
He thanked the organisers and said the club is keen to return.
”Thank you to Champion’s Haven tournament. We hope to participate on more tournament in future,” he added.
