ZTA appeals for greater support to grow tennis

The Zambia Tennis Association (ZTA) has made an urgent appeal to various stakeholders, including the Zambian government, the corporate sector, and individual tennis enthusiasts, for enhanced support to propel the growth and expansion of tennis throughout the nation. This call for assistance comes as the ZTA strives to overcome persistent financial and resource constraints that impede its efforts to develop the sport at all levels. Joseph Siame Jnr, the General Secretary of the ZTA, emphasized the association's unwavering commitment to fostering tennis in Zambia. However, he highlighted the critical need for a sustainable funding mechanism to implement vital programs aimed at elevating tennis standards and broadening access to the sport. The ZTA's recent readmission to the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has opened new avenues for Zambian players, coaches, and administrators, presenting a unique opportunity that the association is keen to capitalize on. Currently, the ZTA is strategically focusing on grassroots development initiatives within schools and academies. This foundational approach is complemented by significant investments in coaches' education, a crucial step towards enhancing player performance and nurturing future talent. Siame reiterated the ZTA's plea to the government, specifically through the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ), and the corporate world to provide the necessary resources. Such support is envisioned to create a clear and viable pathway for talent identification and development, ensuring a robust pipeline of skilled tennis players. This appeal resonates with broader challenges faced by numerous sports federations in Zambia, which often grapple with inadequate and unpredictable funding from the National Sports Council of Zambia. Historically, sports in Zambia have been among the least funded sectors in the national budget, leading to difficulties in fulfilling activity calendars and implementing long-term development plans.