The Tanzania Wheelchair Tennis Association (TWTA) has announced plans to organize a tournament aimed at keeping players active and prepared for upcoming international competitions.

Speaking in a recent interview, TWTA Secretary General Riziki Suleiman revealed that the association is in talks with potential sponsors to fund the tournament. However, if those discussions do not bear fruit, TWTA is prepared to host a self-sponsored event.

While Suleiman did not disclose the exact dates of the planned tournament, he made a passionate appeal to corporate organizations, wheelchair tennis enthusiasts, and the wider sporting community to support the initiative, describing it as vital to the growth of the sport in Tanzania.

“It’s tough to motivate players to compete in a tournament without sponsorship, but we remain confident that we will secure a sponsor,” Suleiman said. 

“We have several international events lined up this year, and this tournament will not only help keep our players active but will also serve as a selection platform for the national team. We urge all stakeholders to support us.”

Currently, BQ Contractors remain the main and most reliable sponsor of wheelchair tennis in the country.

Earlier this year, the national team took part in the BNP Paribas World Team Cup qualifiers in Turkey, represented by Rehema Selemani, Pendo Zengo, and Lucky Shirima. Unfortunately, the team did not win any matches.

Suleiman, who also serves as the national wheelchair tennis coach, attributed the poor performance to inadequate investment in the sport.

“We’ve participated in the BNP Paribas tournament more than four times. The recent struggles in Turkey and other international competitions highlight a lack of depth and quality in our player base. It’s not due to lack of talent -we have capable players - but they need more support,” he emphasized.

Despite these challenges, Suleiman expressed optimism about the future of wheelchair tennis in Tanzania. He commended the resilience and commitment of the players, noting their continued efforts to represent the country with distinction on the global stage.

Last year, three Tanzanian players - Monica Boniface, Omari Tumbo, and Aidani Edgar - participated in a one-week training camp and tournament in South Africa. 

The event provided an opportunity for the athletes to enhance their skills and learn modern techniques, further contributing to the development of the sport in the country.