Chronicle Editor
Nkosilathi Sibanda, [email protected]
THE country’s number one junior tennis player, Kuzivaishe Chapepa continued with her top notch performance as she reached the semi-finals of the African Junior Championships in Lome, Togo.
The continental competition is for the Under-14 age category and is under the Confederation of African Tennis (CAT) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
It ran from February 27 to March 10.
Chapepa and the rest of the players that represented the country, finished the tournament on good scores.
In the girls’ team there was Akeelah Khanye, Rutendo Tom and Mufaro Ruwanza.
The boys’ group had the trio of Muchengeti Manzungu, Noah Samshonga and Anotipa Chigudu.
Chapepa leaped to the crucial stages of the continental showcase when she beat Fatima Ramy of Egypt 2-0 with set scores of 6-3 and 7-6.
In round two, the Zimbabwean ace went on to face Winner Gakpo of Togo and showed her prowess as well. The high flying Chapepa was taken to the edge but managed to win after the third set.
Chapepa beat Gakpo 2-1 with set scores of 6-3, 5-7 and 6-1. She went on to face Tunisia’s M Gamaoun whom she beat 2-0 with set scores of 6-1 and 6-4.
In the semi-finals, Chapepa met Maryam Achouri from Morocco losing 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.
On her way to the Africa Junior Championships, Chapepa had won the girls’ Under-14 ITF and CAT Southern African Junior Individual tournament in Namibia, early January.
Other Zimbabwean players, Akeelah Khanye was ranked 16th while Rutendo Tom finished at position 21 at the tournament.
Rufaro Ruwanza was 24th
In the boys’ team, Noah Samushonga was ranked 16th, Anotipa Chigudu settled at 20th with Muchengeti Manzungu on position 28.
From the tournament results, Tennis Zimbabwe (TZ) felt the youngsters did well and they are confident that they will continue to make sure they improve the grades.
TZ general manager Kupakwashe Mukurumbira said the future of tennis in the country was in the hands of young players.
“We are proud of all the players, they carry the future of tennis in the country and we would want them to do well as they advance to other big tournaments,” he said.
-@NkosieLegend
Online Reporter