Chronicle Editor
Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S top young tennis players fell short of completing a clean sweep and winning gold in the prestigious African Junior Championships which concluded on Saturday in Maputo, Mozambique where they came second.
The team comprised Tanaka Mercy Mhlanga, Emmly Lebogang George (captain) and Akeelah Robin Zinzile Khanye.
The three young stars went into the tournament as Southern Africa champions and won four ties out of a possible five.
They fell to Tunisia who emerged eventual champions after winning five ties.
The Under-12 girls started their round robin event with a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Tunisia before redeeming themselves against Ghana by winning 2-1.
The win against Ghana was followed by a thumping of the hosts, Mozambique whom they beat 3-0.
Another clinical performance saw them overcome Namibia 3-0 to make it three wins out of four. They went on to win 2-1 against Kenya which was the final match of their campaign.
The young trio finished with four points from their matches, just one point behind Tunisia who won all their matches to be crowned champions.
Zimbabwe therefore finished second, Kenya were third followed by Ghana and Namibia. The hosts, Mozambique finished in last position with zero points.
Emmly’s father who is also her coach, Mkhululi George, believes that the exposure the girls got will help them going forward and also hopes that with such performances, the young players will get support from the country.
“It was an exceptional run from the girls, the stage set a new learning curve for them and the exposure is a memorable one and something that will surely change the scope in the way they will be playing the game going forward. We hope our country and community will support and nurture such talent,” said George.
Emmly’s next assignment is at the Cape Town Super 8s tournament in December. -@brandon_malvin
Sidumisile Mabena