Bezuidenhout receives scholarship from FFF
Nurturing young talent and making goals possible
The Frank Fredericks Foundation awarded her a scholarship for a second time.
Joanivia Bezuidenhout, one of Namibia’s best junior tennis players, was on Monday awarded a scholarship by the Frank Fredericks Foundation (FFF). The generous amount of N$10 000 for the year 2024 will contribute towards her tennis expenses and educational needs.
The foundation aims to assist athletes of any sports code in which FFF sees the potential to contribute to Namibia’s sports excellence.
This is the second time the 14-year-old from Okahandja has been recognised by FFF for her remarkable growth and achievements. From 2020 to 2021, Bezuidenhout also received sponsorship from the foundation towards her school and sports career.
Recognised potential
Suama Shingenge, FFF’s public relations officer, said Bezuidenhout has over the years shown impeccable growth in her tennis career. It is for this reason they gave her a scholarship when she reached out for assistance.
The scholarship is aimed to help her continue mastering her tennis skills as well as her education.
“Through Joanivia’s story, the Frank Fredericks Foundation’s commitment to nurturing young talent and making goals possible in Namibia shines brightly,” said Shingenge.
Another sportsman who benefited from the foundation’s generosity was Josh Byron Visagie (19), a rugby player from Walvis Bay. Last year, they awarded eight scholarships.
Joanivia responded: “Thank you to the Frank Fredericks Foundation for sponsoring me. I now get to buy my sports equipment and school stationery. I want to make them proud, and I invite them to watch me play in the NTA Junior tournament this weekend at Olympia’s Central Tennis Court.”
TOP-RANKED NATIONALLY
Despite her young age, Bezuidenhout is an athlete of promising potential. Being picked for national teams since the age of 12, her dominance on local courts has thrust her into view.
Last year, she made history as the youngest African player to compete in the Billie Jean King Cup, where she represented the country with three other women in Kenya.
From 2020 to 2022, she maintained a winning streak in her age group, claiming the Namibia Tennis Association Masters title for three consecutive years.
In 2023, she went on to win the Senior Women’s Masters. This saw her ranked as Namibia’s top under-12 player in 2020; top U14 in 2021; second when she became U16 last year, and first in the senior women’s category last year.
IN NEED OF SPONSORS
According to her father, Jandre Bezuidenhout, she opted for home-schooling to dedicate more time to tennis. They decided on CambriLearn to allow her sufficient time to train and participate in more competitions for the much-needed ranking points to work her way upwards in the sport.
“We are actively seeking sponsors as their support will greatly facilitate her participation in more tournaments, particularly international ones. This will significantly contribute to upholding her career trajectory,” he said.
Individuals interested in sponsoring her career can contact her father at 081 277 4282.