Amanda Coetzer’s sister happy with team performance

Bloemfontein – Oranje Girls’ primary school tennis team coach, Isabel Fichardt, was happy with not only her side’s victory, but also the standard of play at the Amanda Coetzer Primary Schools Tennis Tournament held at the school from 22-24 May 2014.

Fichardt, sister of former South African tennis player Amanda Coetzer, said the tournament was a fantastic way to not only bringing the youngsters together, but also continuing to improve the standard of tennis in the country.

“It’s been a very good tournament for all the girls. The standard of the play has been very high so I think it was a tournament of a very high quality," she told Courant Sport.

“Through this tournament, I think she (Amanda) wanted to give something back to South Africa. She wanted to give the younger kids the opportunity that she had,” said Fichardt.

“Tennis is a very individual sport. It’s tough on the kids playing with themselves the whole time so the idea of having the team event where they can participate for themselves and in the team, I think that’s what she wanted." 

“She wanted them to feel like they can be part of the team as well and spread the pressure a little bit amongst all the players."

Fichardt’s daughter, Carmen, whose is in the Oranje tennis team, came out second in the Most Voted Players category and also claimed the Sportsmanship Award after an outstanding performance displayed.

Along with Linge Steenkamp, the pair were named as the Best in the Doubles. Speaking to Courant, Carmen Fichardt said her aunt has always been an inspiration.

“She motivates me to always do well. I am happy with my performance, but mostly with my teams’ performance. We are happy to have won. It was an amazing tournament,” she added.

Final results:

Thursday Morning, 22 May:

Round 1:
Oranje Meisieskool bt Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys 24-0

Stellenbosch Laerskool bt Laerskool Eikestad 14-9

Curro Hazeldean bt Truida Kestell 24-0

Thursday Afternoon, 22 May:

Round 2:
Oranje Meisieskool bt Truida Kestell 24-0

Curro Hazeldean bt Laerskool Eikestad 15-9

Stellenbosch Laerskool bt Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys 21-3

Friday Morning, 23 May:

Round 3:
Oranje Meisieskool bt Stellenbosch Laerskool 21-2

Curro Hazeldean bt Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys 23-1

Laerskool Eikestad bt Truida Kestell 22-1

Friday Afternoon, 23 May:

Round 4:
Oranje Meisieskool bt Laerskool Eikestad 24-0

Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys bt Truida Kestell 16-8

Curro Hazeldean bt Stellenbosch Laerskool 13-11

Saturday, 24 May:

Round 5:
Oranje Meisieskool bt Curro Hazeldean 18-5

Laerskool Eikestad bt Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys 19-4

Stellenbosch Laerskool bt Truida Kestell 24-0

Final standings:

1. Oranje Meisieskool

2. Curro Hazeldean

3. Stellenbosch Laerskool

4. Laerskool Eikestad

5. Laerskool Louw Geldenhuys

6. Truida Kestell