Ben ready to ‘Lock’ Georgia

Brighton Zhawi
BENJAMIN LOCK is ready to step up and do the business in the absence of number one player Takanyi Garanganga when Zimbabwe visits Georgia for a Euro/Africa Group II tie next week. Zimbabwe’s bid to avoid relegation suffered a huge blow last week when the top-seeded Garanganga pulled out of the tie, set to run from July 15-17, citing “other commitments”. Lock steps up as the number one player and the 23-year-old has declared himself ready to lead from the front.

“Obviously it’s not ideal that (Garanganga) is not coming, we would have loved to have our full squad there you know it’s a really important tie,” he said. “But, actually, I think playing number one takes off the pressure a little bit, because on the first day you play their number two player. In the past I have always had to play the number one player of each country.

“You don’t really get a match to get into the tie you know it’s straight into playing the best in the competition, so this time I can play the number two player and hopefully give us a win.”

Lock, who missed the 1-4 loss to Finland in March due to college commitments, expressed confidence in his team mates who include his younger brother Courtney, Mark Fynn and Garanganga’s replacement, 16-year-old Mehluli Sibanda.

“We have been playing good doubles lately and Takanyi hasn’t been playing doubles in the past so I think we are only missing out on one match if you think about it. Both Courtney and Mark have been playing good singles too so am sure they are going to step up. We have to go forward with what we have and remain confident,” he said.

Team Zimbabwe’s non-playing captain Martin Dzuwa believes they have enough in their arsenal to silence a Georgian team that is ranked 75th, ten places below Zimbabwe.

“Without Takanyi it will be tough of course, but these guys are playing well and the good thing is that the ongoing Futures tournament is quite competitive. I believe there won’t be much difference in terms of level of play, so hopefully it will go our way,” Dzuwa said.

Zimbabwe tennis legend Wayne Black also backed Lock to lead the team well against Georgia.

“With Takanyi out, it is going to be difficult to win honestly,” Black said. “I am not saying they can’t do it, but it will be tough. The good thing is Benji is playing well, the quality of his game has improved, it’s exciting and he has been very impressive in the ongoing Futures.”