Online Reporter
Nkosilathi Sibanda [email protected]
BULAWAYO’s rising tennis stars, Kudzai and Kuzivaishe Chapepa have been named in the team that will represent the country in the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III tournament.
The national women’s team will be captained by seasoned campaigner Valeria Bhunu at the continental competition in Gaborone, from July 13 to 18, bringing together some of Africa’s top women’s tennis nations as they battle for promotion.
Bhunu will lead a five-member squad that also includes Sasha Chimedza and Chanelle Zhuwakini.
Tennis Zimbabwe announced the squad this week, expressing confidence that the team has the quality and determination to compete against the continent’s best.
The association said the players will proudly represent the nation in Africa Group III as they seek to raise Zimbabwe’s profile in international women’s tennis.
Bhunu’s appointment as captain comes as little surprise, with the experienced player expected to provide leadership both on and off the court. Having represented Zimbabwe on numerous occasions, she will be tasked with guiding a youthful squad through what is expected to be a highly competitive tournament.
Among the players to watch is Chimedza, who has continued to develop her game on the international circuit, while Kudzai Chapepa and Chanelle Zhuwakini will be eager to make their mark against strong continental opposition.
Kuzivaishe Chapepa completes the squad, giving Zimbabwe a balanced team with a mix of experienced campaigners and promising young talent.
The Billie Jean King Cup, formerly known as the Fed Cup, is regarded as the women’s equivalent of the Davis Cup and is the world’s premier international team competition in women’s tennis.
The Africa Group III competition provides participating nations with an opportunity to earn promotion to higher regional groups while exposing players to high-level international competition.
Zimbabwe will head to Botswana aiming to produce a strong showing and continue rebuilding its presence on the African tennis stage after several years of mixed fortunes.
The team’s preparations are expected to intensify over the coming days before departure for Gaborone, where every tie will be crucial in the quest for promotion.
In announcing the squad, Tennis Zimbabwe rallied the nation to support the team, saying the players were ready to compete with determination, resilience and national pride.
With Bhunu’s leadership and a talented supporting cast, Zimbabwe will be hoping to challenge for honours and enhance the country’s reputation in African women’s tennis when the competition gets underway.
Formerly known as the Fed Cup, the Billie Jean King Cup is the world’s premier international women’s team tennis competition, bringing together nations from across the globe in pursuit of promotion through the regional groups.
Zimbabwe has been a regular participant in the competition over the years, producing several accomplished players who have proudly worn the national colours.
Sidumisile Mabena