adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S Davis Cup player Takanyi Garanganga is expected to join the rest of the team today as the team step up their preparations for the tie against Moldova this weekend.
The Zimbabweans will host Moldova in the Europe/Africa Group II relegation play off from Friday to Sunday at Harare Sports Club.
Captain Martin Dzuwa confirmed yesterday that the United States-based player is expected today while the rest of the players — the Lock brothers — Benjamin and Courtney, Mark Fynn and Tadiwa Chinamo are already in the country.
“I have a squad of five. Takanyi arrives tomorrow (today) and the other players they are all here.
“I am happy we have been practising for four days now and everything seems okay. I think we have a better chance, being together also before the tie boosts morale and confidence.
“We have been working on being a little bit aggressive because these are clay courts players so now we just need to be aggressive,” said Dzuwa.
Zimbabwe lost to Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-4 in the first round and they need to win this tie to remain in Group II.
If they lose they will return to Africa Zone Group III.
Zimbabwe’s top player Garanganga is ranked 391 and second best player Benjamin is ranked 750 while Moldova’s ranked player, Dmitrii Baskov is ranked 2030.
The other three players, Andrei Soltoianu, Maxim Bulat and Egor Matvievicia are not ranked.
However, Dzuwa said they were not reading much into the rankings.
“If their team stays like this I think we will be the team to beat.
But sometimes in tennis the rankings are just how many points you have from the tournaments you played so you never know because they are bringing a young team.
“So some of them are coming from the juniors.
“I mean it’s tennis and ranking sometimes doesn’t really matter. Yes, it gives more confidence, but for me I think it’s just a number.
“For them to be able to represent their country means they are good enough.
“We must not underrate them because they are bringing a young team,” said Dzuwa.
Dzuwa said they know the importance of this tie.
“Basically I think us winning this tie is crucial.
“I will be happy if we win because it took us quite sometime to move to this Group so it’s good for us to remain in this Group.
“Going back to Group III might take us long to return to Group II because there are strong teams there.
“If we go back we might stay there for a long time so we will be happy if we can stay (in Group II),” said Dzuwa.
Moldova are expected in the country this evening.
Online Reporter