Testimonial
To Whom it may Concern My Name is Tamara Pieters, and I am the Owner/Head Coach of Proactive Tennis Group CC, as well as the Co-Owner/Managing director of Proactive Padel SA Pty Ltd. I have built, owned and run Proactive Tennis Group, which is a tennis academy in the Centurion/Pretoria/Joburg area for the last 14 years. Our team has worked with all different levels and ages of tennis players, with our main focus on building confidence in the individual and ultimately create enjoyment in the game at no matter which level it is played. I have also started up and run Proactive Padel SA since 2022, which has grown into three venues and offers a variety of services related to padel, which includes coaching. I have employed over 80 employees so far throughout my business career, and I have had the pleasure of having Neo Mashaba work for me in this timeframe. Neo started as a very promising junior tennis player, joining our group coaching and our Advanced touring groups in his youth, and then when he became of age was trained and employed as a tennis coach with us. Neo is a lovely young man, with strong work ethic, great ideas and always willing to grow and learn. He is reliable and has learnt to communicate well with both his clients as well as his working team and has since turned into a skilled Tennis and Padel coach. I would highly recommend Neo to any tennis or padel coaching academy, as he will only be an asset to any team he joins and brings his skills and positivity too. It was our pleasure to have Neo as part of our team, and we trust this reference will provide valuable insight into his skills, work ethic, and contributions during his time with us Yours Sincerely, ____________________ Tamara Pieters Owner/Head Coach
Tamara Pieters
Testimonial
To whom it may concern, My name is Willie van der Westhuizen, I am the director and head coach at the VDWTA, and part of a proud coaching legacy that goes back to the early 70s. I have 30 years of coaching experience and I have worked with thousands of young players of all ages in the last three decades. I have produced many top 10 national players, national championship winners and college players through the years. Many of these players hit their first tennis balls on court with me. Through the years I have had many coaches that have worked for me and that have gone on to become great coaches in their own right. Coach Neo Mashaba is one of the most promising and knowledgeable young coaches that have crossed my path through the years. Neo is not only a very good technical and tactical coach, but also a very good team player, always hungry to improve himself and give back to our great game. Neo will be a great asset to any program, anywhere in the world. He has the ability to work with everybody from promising grassroot players to top tournament players and will never shy away from a challenge. He has always been punctual, professional and trustworthy. Regards, Coach Willie van der Westhuizen Director and head coach VDWTA. www.vdwta.com +27824659287
Willie van der Westhuizen, Director and head coach at the VDWTA
Testimonial
It is with great pleasure that we share our testimonial for Coach Neo, who has been an exceptional influence on our tennis journey since we arrived in South Africa in October 2022. As a family of five, with two adults and three children, relocating frequently due to our work in the diplomatic field, we have had the opportunity to experience coaching in various countries. However, our time with Neo has truly been a standout experience. South Africa, being a renowned tennis nation, provided us with the perfect opportunity to pursue our interest in the sport. After exploring various coaching options, we were introduced to Neo, and from the moment we began working with him, it was clear that we had found someone who could elevate our game to a higher level. One lesson with Neo was all it took for us to realize that he possesses an in-depth understanding of the game, not just in terms of technique, but also in his approach to individual players. He skillfully identifies areas for improvement while respecting the unique attributes and physicalities of each player. His coaching focuses on refining the fundamentals of tennis, but also extends to correcting the finer details of our technique, whether it be the forehand, backhand, volley, lob, or smash. Neo has an incredible ability to diagnose and resolve issues swiftly, always staying one step ahead of the game. What truly sets Neo apart is his holistic approach to coaching. He doesn’t just analyze his clients on the court, but off the court as well. On numerous occasions, he has encouraged us to watch clips of our sessions, pushing us to continue training and improving between lessons. Despite two of us not being young and up-and-coming players, Neo never once showed doubt in our ability to improve. His unwavering belief in us has been a powerful motivator. Neo’s positivity and understanding extend beyond technical coaching. He handles both the good and bad days with grace, offering unwavering support even when motivation is lacking. A prime example of this is how he has consistently turned our younger daughter’s unmotivated, sometimes grumpy starts into positive, rewarding sessions. His ability to connect with and encourage players, regardless of their mood or skill level, speaks volumes about his character. What we truly appreciate about Neo is his genuine commitment to his clients. He consistently goes above and beyond, offering reliability, insight, and personalized attention. Beyond his impressive coaching abilities, Neo is simply a kind and generous person, always maintaining a positive and respectful demeanor both on and off the court. We wholeheartedly believe that Coach Neo has the skillset, dedication, and character to continue making a profound impact on the players he works with, wherever his journey may take him. Without a doubt, we trust him completely and are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with him. We highly recommend Coach Neo to anyone looking to improve their tennis game, as he is not just a great coach, but a remarkable individual who fosters a supportive and encouraging environment for players of all levels.
Jessica Aronsson from Sweden
