Wendy Modiba: From imaginary matches to international titles
Modiba, alongside Mpho Bowers recently represented South Africa in Botswana and Tanzania at the International Tennis Federation (ITF), Confederation of African Tennis (CAT) Circuit and won.
In their second meet, Modiba proved that she's a force to reckon with after defeating Malak Macheng from Botswana 6/1, 6/0 in the girls finals.
The two played for the first time in the first leg of the tournament. Bowers defeated Chamakh Zhuwakini from Zimbabwe 6/3, 6/1. 'I'm extremely excited that both Mpho and I were able to represent SA and place it on the map as I've always imagined and wished,' she says.
As a preschooler, she would play imaginary matches at home using invisible rackets, until her parents finally bought her proper equipment
when she entered primary school.
Since then, Wendy has developed a great passion for the sport, saying that tennis offers her both physical and mental rewards.
'It's fun and challenging, and I enjoy every part of it whether I'm playing singles, doubles, or just practicing alone,' she says.
Her dedication and natural talent have earned her several impressive achievements.
Last year, she won the Limpopo edition of the Tennis South Africa (TSA) Baobab Mini Tournament in her age division.
She also claimed the title at the ProKennex Mini Tournament in the girls u/12 division in 2022 and the u/10 Gauteng central leg of the Growthpoint Super 8 Tournament held at Ellis Park in 2021.
'I feel so happy to have won yet another trophy, but mostly I'm grateful for the coaches who have supported me along the way.'
Mitchell House tennis coach Iggy Matsiela describes Wendy as a passionate and eager learner.
'She's always looking to improve her skills. Tennis promotes fitness and mental sharpness, but it also builds friendships and character and Wendy embodies all of that,' he says.
In addition to her tennis accolades, Wendy is also an accomplished swimmer, having won several medals while representing both her school and the province.
With her eyes firmly set on turning professional, she continues to train hard and dream big.
'Tennis is my passion, and I want to play it professionally, even after I finish school.'
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Bradley Grobler strikes again as Sekhukhune United outgun TS Galaxy in thrilling league battle
Sekhukhune United maintained their flying start to the Betway Premiership season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over TS Galaxy at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday night. A poacher's finish from striker Bradley Grobler — his third goal of the campaign in all competitions — sealed the points for the Limpopo-based outfit, lifting them to six points, while the Rockets slumped to their third consecutive defeat in what has been a rocky start to their season. The two sides entered the contest in starkly contrasting form. Babina Noko arrived brimming with confidence after a strong start in both the league and the MTN8, where they are set to face Stellenbosch FC in the semi-finals. Their place in the last four of the MTN8 came at the expense of the very same Rockets, before they went on to open their league account with a memorable 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates. In their previous meeting, the teams had served up a five-goal thriller, but this encounter was far more cagey. The first half produced only a handful of chances, with both sides opting for a cautious approach and tightening their defensive structures.
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
TS Galaxy early season woes deepen after loss against Durban City
TS Galaxy head coach Adnan Beganovic will be aiming for an improved showing from his side when they take on Sekhukhune United on Wednesday. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix TS Galaxy's slow start to the season continued as they suffered a confidence-knocking 2-0 loss against newcomers Durban City in their Betway Premiership opener on Sunday at the Mbombela Stadium. The Rockets endured their second straight defeat, having been beaten 3-2 by Sekhukhune United in their season-opening MTN8 match. That result was particularly painful, as they had led the Limpopo-based outfit 2-0 before conceding three goals. The Mpumalanga-based side entered their second consecutive match with only five players on the bench, after a number of last season's squad members departed and the club was reportedly unable to register new players due to a Fifa transfer ban. With such limited options at his disposal, coach Adnan Beganovic believes some of the mistakes made due to not being fully prepared for the season proved costly and ultimately played them out of the match. 'Two mistakes and two goals today, and with how we conceded, it was tough to come back and do something,' Beganovic said after his side's loss. 'It's again young players, and they need time to understand and also get more fitness and the tactical aspect.' Galaxy are now set to face a rematch with this season's high-flyers Sekhukhune United — the very team that knocked them out of the MTN8 — in a crucial midweek clash. Babina Noko not only beat Galaxy but also went on to claim a statement 1-0 win over league title favourites Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Stadium this past Saturday. The Rockets, on the other hand, face the danger of repeating the same poor start they endured last season, which saw them stuck at the bottom of the table before the Bosnian mentor took charge from country man Sead Ramovic. In the 2024/25 campaign, Galaxy managed to take four points off Sekhukhune in their two league meetings, but this time around, Eric Tinkler's men will head into the encounter full of confidence after their strong early-season form. Beganovic admitted that his side cannot afford to dwell on their recent setbacks and stressed the need to apply themselves better in their game plans.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Three talking points from the Betway Premiership
Phakaaathi looks at three talking points from this weekend's action. The 2025/26 season started with a bang this past weekend, with all but one opening game failing to produce a goal. And that match was the Limpopo derby between Polokwane City and Magesi FC, which ended in a goalless draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for the 'PSL Big Three' – Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns – as only one of them was able to get maximum points in the opening weekend of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. Phakaaathi looks at three talking points from this weekend's action: Bright start for Chiefs Kaizer Chiefs started the season on a high note, beating the 10-man Stellenbosch FC outfit 2-0 in a dramatic encounter played at a sold-out Athlone Stadium on Sunday. A well-taken free kick by Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and a late penalty from Glody Lilepo gave Amakhosi a great start to the 2025/26 season. It was a typical game of two halves with Stellies dominating the first half despite having to play most of it with 10 men after Siviwe Nkwali was shown a red card for a professional foul on Mduduzi Shabalala. The second half belonged to Chiefs, and they deserved their win in the end. Pirates come unstuck against Sekhukhune Orlando Pirates suffered a 1-0 loss at home at the Orlando Stadium against a determined Sekhukhune United outfit on Saturday evening. Siphesihle Mkhize scored the winner for Babina Noko just after the break. The Buccaneers were unlucky not to earn a point from this encounter as they hit the upright twice. Daniel Cardoso hit his post in the 11th minute while trying to clear a cross from Deon Hotto, and later in the game, Mbekezeli Mbokazi also saw his header hit the upright. But in the end, it was Babina Noko who walked away with all the points on offer. Sundowns get title defence off to stuttering start Mamelodi Sundowns' defence started with a stutter in Gqeberha as they could only draw their league opener against Chippa United. Arthur Sales gave the defending champions the lead in the first half, but Khaya Mfecane's equaliser in the second half ensured the Chilli Boys claimed a deserved point at home at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. It was Chippa coach Sinethemba Badela's first game in charge of the Chilli Boys, and it was a good start for him against his former team, Sundowns. The Betway Premiership continues midweek, with all 16 teams in action on Tuesday and Wednesday. Fixtures (all the games start at 7.30pm: Tuesday Mamelodi Sundowns vs AmaZulu – Loftus Versfeld Stadium Marumo Gallants vs Orlando Pirates – Dr Molemela Stadium Orbit College vs Siwelele FC – Dobsonville Stadium Wednesday Kaizer Chiefs vs Polokwane City – FNB Stadium Durban City vs Chippa United – Chatsworth Stadium Golden Arrows vs Richards Bay FC – King Zwelithini Stadium Magesi FC vs Stellenbosch FC – Seshego Stadium Sekhukhune United vs TS Galaxy – Peter Mokaba Stadium
