Originally from Tshwane in Gauteng, Ms Mphahlele began playing tennis in 2018 while in Grade 8, joining the Hammanskraal Tennis Club (HTC). Under the guidance of coaches Ms Mpho Makhoba and Mr Simon Tlhatlha, her interest in the sport developed into focused competitive participation.
Initially, she participated in a range of sporting codes – including soccer, netball, basketball and volleyball but tennis ultimately became her discipline of choice. “What drew me to tennis is that it is largely an individual sport,” she explains. “I did not enjoy teamwork initially, but that changed during the USSA tournament. Tennis demands discipline and mental strength, and the level of competition is intense.”
Balancing competitive sport with a science degree has required careful time management and consistency. According to Ms Mphahlele, both academic work and tennis demand sustained focus. “Science is challenging, and tennis requires constant practice. When you stop training, your performance drops and you have to rebuild,” she says.
Preparation for the USSA tournament involved several months of training and travelling to compete against other institutions to assess her readiness. “It was demanding and intense, but it was necessary preparation.”
Despite her experience, the tournament presented unexpected challenges. Rather than being intimidated by opponents, she identifies consistency as her greatest hurdle. “I had to focus on my own game and avoid being distracted by how others were playing. I did not expect to receive an award, especially given some of the challenges our team faced.”
Her Female All-Star Player recognition came as a morale boost for the UMP tennis team. “The award lifted the team’s spirit and confidence. I wanted to represent UMP and highlight that our tennis programme deserves recognition.”
One of the most testing moments of the tournament occurred during a match against Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), where she continued playing despite sustaining a hand injury. “At one point, I struggled to hold the racket. Technically, I should have withdrawn, but I chose to continue. It tested my mental strength and resilience.”
As UMP’s number one women’s player, Ms Mphahlele credits her teammates, coaches Ursula Mlimi and Lawrence Mahlangu for preparing her for the demands of varsity-level competition. “They ensured I was ready for the intensity. I knew the competition would be tough, but their support made a difference.”
She notes that university tennis is highly competitive, with USSA tournaments divided into A, B and C sections. “You have to adapt quickly because you do not know your opponent’s strategy. Once you lose focus, it becomes very difficult to recover.”
Looking ahead, Ms Mphahlele aims to further develop her technical skills, secure sponsorship, and compete at higher levels within South African tennis. She also hopes her journey will encourage other students, particularly young women, to pursue sport alongside their studies.
“Tennis requires discipline and mental preparation. You will not win every match, but consistency matters. Do not neglect either your academics or your sport. Commitment to both can open doors.”
With determination, grit and growing confidence, Ms Mphahlele is not only building her own legacy but is also contributing to the growing profile of UMP tennis at national level.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied. Copyright © UMP.