daniel chigunwe
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Davis Cup team have been dealt a huge blow after top-ranked player Benjamin Lock was ruled out of the Group Three qualifier against Morocco, which gets underway at Harare Sports Club today.
Benjamin, who is popularly known as “Twiza,” will see his slot taken by Ethan Denzel Sibanda, who will meet Morocco’s top seed, Taha Baadi, in the second match of the day.
Benjamin’s young brother Courtney is now the country’s top seed.
He will open the contest against Elliot Benchetrit.
The other members of the Davis Cup team are captain Gwinyai Tongoona and development representative Ronan Tashinga Mtisi.
“We have played against Morocco in the Davis Cup before and we stand at 2-2 and this tournament gives us an opportunity to move to a better standing,” said Tongoona.
“We have good players and the absence of Benjy will have an impact but everyone has been preparing for the matches.
“We are looking forward to a competitive event and the boys are ready for the challenge.”
Courtney, who will play Morocco’s second seed before tomorrow’s doubles battle, said he was looking forward to the challenge.
“I am very happy to be back home and to be playing in front of the home supporters after a long time. I have prepared well for this tournament and I believe we have a strong team that will do well.
“We are looking forward to the support from the local supporters and I urge them to turn out in their numbers.
“I feel for Benjy as I know how much he would have loved to play but it’s part of the game and I wish him a speedy recovery.
“I have faith in my partner Sibanda and I hope we will also do well in the doubles.”
Morocco’s non-playing captain, Hacham Arazi, said:
“We have met Zimbabwe before and we know they are a good team but we are more than ready to face them.
“The players have been training hard ahead of these qualifiers,” said Arazi.
Online Reporter