Chisomo Lumeta’s visa expires

The Lawn Tennis Association of Malawi (LTAM) is processing renewal of Chisomo Lumeta’s visa permit for the wonder-boy to return to South Africa to continue his training at the High Performance Centre (HPC).

Lumeta is in the country for a breather after winning a gold in the Under-14 category at the Southern African Junior Tennis Championships in Namibia a fortnight ago, but he needs a new visa to go and continue his training, which starts at HPC on February 22.

“We are finalising the renewal of his permit. So far, his medical and police reports have been done. We are hopeful that Lumeta will fly back to South Africa on time,” said LTAM assistant trainer Hackson Methiwa.

Lumeta was roped into the HPC, which nurtures young sports personalities into professional athletes, in 2009 following his outstanding display during the Under-12 Junior Circuit Championships in South Africa where he won gold.

The 13-year-old is expected to be groomed at the HPC where he does his secondary education apart from the tennis course. He will be there until he is 18, when he would qualify for high profile international competitions such as the Wimbledon.

Following his success at the recent championships in Namibia, Lumeta will lead seven other outstanding southern Africa players to the African Junior Tennis Championships in Egypt in December.