By Phillip Corry

INTERNATIONAL Tennis Federation (ITF) development officer for East Africa Prince Madema has tipped Uganda to become the region’s center for excellence.

In an interview with the New Vision yesterday, the Zimbabwean said Ugandans are talented and have the potential to excel.

“Uganda is strategically located in this region and has good education facilities and fine weather,” Madema said.

“I must hail the good work that the local tennis federation has done since the Lugogo tennis courts where handed to them. You can see the changes that have taken place.”

The ITF has earmarked Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania as potential centres for the East Africa development programmes. Madema was speaking after the ITF Futures ranking tournament and the EA/ITF U-18 tennis circuit held at Lugogo.

“The potential is here and you can see it when you come for international tournaments and see things moving well,” Madema added.

Madema said he will propose that Lugogo hosts the ITF East Africa U-14 tournament next year. The ITF has drawn up several tournaments for next year for the region.