He’s been President of Tennis South Africa since 2013 and believes his record – and that of his TSA staff – speaks for itself.
Q. What do you feel you’ve achieved in your time as President?
A: The level of governance is second to none in the sporting industry; the federation is run as a business with all departments having realistic KPIs; in 2013 Tennis SA had two sponsors – we now have over 10; income up from less than R10m a year to over R35m – our dependency on government and Lotto grants has dropped from 90% to 10%; federation membership has risen from 8 940 to 34 650; number of TSA tournaments up from less than 50 to around 180; a world-class coaching department; the BNP Coaching Mentorship programme has grown from 52 to 121 people, with on average 65% being black women; TSA staff and board members serving on committees at SASCOC, Confederation of African Tennis and the ITF; the RCS Rising Star School Competition has grown from 214 to 1 215 schools; and our wheelchair players – with KG Montjane at the forefront – doing SA proud.
Q: Why and how did you first get involved with Tennis SA?
A: Good question – I started my tennis administration journey in 1997 in Pietermaritzburg, ended up as President of Midlands Tennis, and fed through in KZN Tennis, where I was President for 10 years (2003-2013). I was elected to the board of Tennis SA in 2008, became Vice-President in 2010 and President in 2013.
Q. How would you describe the state of tennis in South Africa?
A: I would describe it as “positive” – we’ve established a good foundation, are generally getting the basics right, and reputationally are in a good space. There’s still a lot to be done though.
Q: What about at the elite level, in terms of South Africans performing on the major ATP and WTA tours, because there doesn’t appear to be much in the way of representation?
A: It takes a certain type of person to reach the top level in tennis. The current statistics are showing that at best, only the top 30 players in the world of each gender are currently making a viable living out of playing professionally. South African players face a number of challenges – our position at the bottom of Africa and finances probably the most pressing. Remembering that Tennis SA is the “enabler” – we’re constantly looking to have more international tournaments here for our players, saving them travelling costs and exposing them to international players. These events are costly though and sponsors prefer to support the ATP250 and higher-ranked events, as opposed to “entry level tournaments”. So, finances are the big limiting factor. The majority of our good junior players end up taking up scholarships to American colleges. So, in basic terms you need to have a good financial backer and be an exceptional talent to make it. Lloyd Harris and Raven Klaasen are playing top level tennis and the Kruger sisters are beginning their journey. There are a number of youngsters playing top level US college tennis and there are a number of young guys playing entry level pro events in North Africa/Europe.
Q: And pipeline of youngsters coming through? Anyone we should look out for?
A: It’s tough to break into the big league – our SA players do not lack talent! Devin Badenhorst is currently ranked 30th in the world for juniors and will be going to varsity in the US next year. I think he’s got what it takes, mentally, physically, and hunger-wise. He’s currently the African champion for his age-group. At American universities we have Philip Henning and Lleyton Cronje – both playing Division 1. Whether they take the next step to professional tennis will be their choice, not Tennis SA’s. On the ladies’ side, the Kruger sisters are good prospects. Once again, it’s about support and taking the right opportunities and paths.
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Q: TSA just reported a deficit in the previous financial year, but is expecting a surplus in the current 12-month period. How does TSA plan to achieve that?
A: TSA reports its finances in a very conservative manner – on a cash flow basis – money in less money out. The previous year was a surplus, and next year we will have a surplus. A lot has to do with the timing of income and expenses. This past year we paid out more than we received – a hangover from the previous year’s surplus, and we paid out certain expenses in advance of receiving income for certain events we hosted in April. We renewed all our sponsorship agreements by June this current financial year – some with an increase, as well as signing up two further sponsors in the last month. That said, the aim is to reduce our dependency on grants and sponsorships by focusing on running top-level professional events that should make a profit, which we can then use to add value and service the tennis community better than we currently are.
Q: How important is securing an ATP or WTA event for the commercial future of TSA and the sport in South Africa?
A: Absolutely critical. We have a task team at Tennis SA consisting of board members and sports industry leaders who are looking at how we can achieve this goal of bringing an ATP250 and WTA250 to South Africa (SA Open). I often compare Tennis SA with Tennis Canada – we are classed as equals in the ITF fold, but they have the ATP1000 and WTA1000 Rogers Cup. Those two events generate 93% of their “free” income, which they use to support up-and-coming professional players, have specially-tailored programmes for individual players etc. They have an incredible support system around all levels of players and have numerous entry level (development) tournaments and programmes.
Q: Any thoughts on the emergence of padel as a potential threat to tennis participation in SA?
A: I see padel as a positive. Padel Tennis SA is an associate member of Tennis SA. Clubs who have built padel courts are seeing more “feet through the door”, an increase in food and beverage sales etc.
Q: What do you believe the ‘Covid period’ has taught sports administrators in SA?
A: Good question – it taught us to “think out of the box”, run hard to adapt to circumstances, and manage expectations/frustrations from stakeholders in different ways. It wasn’t “same old, same old”.
Q: On a personal note, what other sports do you follow and who are your favourite players and teams?
A: I laugh at this question – I often tell people there’re not enough hours in a day for me to get done what I believe needs to be done! Do I have time in my schedule to follow other sports? Ummmm…..I follow cricket at a distance and Formula 1 racing (Verstappen is great!).
