Good start for juniors at ITF/CAT Zonals

Zimpapers Sports Hub

ZIMBABWE’S junior players at the ongoing ITF/CAT Zonals had a good start to their campaign in the team events, winning their opening matches yesterday in Windhoek, Namibia.

The tournament, targeting 14-and-Under and 16-and-Under players, has been running since last Friday, with the individuals’ competitions preceding the team events set to conclude this Saturday.

The best performance for Zimbabwe in the singles matches was from the quartet of Divine Kaliofasi, Claire Majeye, Tendekai Msabaeka, and Chanelle Zhuwakini, who reached the semi-finals.

Kaliofasi then joined hands with Joel Badza for the 14-and-Under boys’ doubles to reach the final, while Emily George teamed up with South Africa’s Morakane Anabel Molaoa but also lost in the final in the girls’ doubles.

In the 16-and-Under-boys, Musabaeka and Noah Samushonga also lost in the final. As the team events got underway yesterday, Zimbabwe beat Lesotho 3-0 in the 16-and-Under boys.

The team was made up of Noah Samushonga, Msabaeka, and Tadiwanashe Matambo.

It was the same story in the girls’ section, where Zhuwakini, Simphiwe Malunguza, and Rutendo Mavhenyengwa joined hands to dismiss Lesotho 3-0.

In the 14-and-Under girls division, Zimbabwe’s team, made up of Rutendo Tom, Emily George, and Majeye, overpowered Mozambique 3-0, while the boys also won 3-0 against Lesotho.

The team consisted of Muchengeti Manzungu, Badza, and Kaliofasi.

One of the coaches accompanying the team, Terrence Mazungaire, feels they can do better in the team event.

“The players really played well. It’s just that South Africa is giving us stiff competition because all our players lost to South African players (in the individuals’ event).

“South Africa dominated the finals. They have a strong team this year, but our players are doing well.

“I am hopeful we can improve from the individual events when we play team events. I am confident we will do well.

“We have some top-ranked players in Africa. Emily George is number five in Africa; Rutendo Tom is sixth.

“Same for the boys, Badza is number five and Muchengeti is number six.

“These four are in the top 10. We do have some of the top players in Africa, and I hope they will step up in the team event and have better results,” said Mazungaire.

The tournament is a qualifier for the Africa Junior Championships.