adminAugustine Hwata Sports Reporter
FORMER football star David Mandigora is one of the confirmed entries for the inaugural Claudio Murape Memorial Tennis Tournament set for Old Hararians Sports Club over this weekend. Mandigora, who made his name as a footballer at Dynamos, is also an avid tennis player and has registered to play in the event.
The tournament is expected to draw people from a cross-section of society who interacted with the late Davis Cup team non-playing captain Murape.
Murape died in March 2010 after having made history as the first black person to be appointed the non-playing captain of the Zimbabwe Davis Cup team.
Richmore Murape, Claudio’s brother, said the family had been humbled by the response from people who have shown interest in playing in the event.
“Entries are still coming in and right now we have more than 112 entries for the event.
“People are coming in to register and we have 48 adults who will play, maybe in a round robin format over one set.
“The main idea for older players is not competition but to celebrate the life of Claudio, who was a captain at Mufakose Tennis Club and went on to groom a number of players.
“Looking at the entries, we can see that David Mandigora has entered and there is also musician Innocent Utsiwegota, Charles Kuwaza is popular in chess but he could also be coming while Tanya Chinamo and Walter Jere are some of the people we expect,” said Richmore.
Richmore said current Davis Cup non-playing captain Martin Dzuwa is also set to play while Freeman Nyamunokora and Farai Shonhiwa, who all worked with Claudio, could also feature.
“I could say we are on course to hold the event and we also have a section for the International Tennis Federation’ Tennis10 where players under the age of 10 should participate.
“The kids will be grouped in pools and the idea is to make them hit as many balls as possible over the tournament.
“So far people have been supportive and we have others like Dallas Siso, who is now in New Zealand, and Peter Nyamande in Kenya writing messages of encouragement.
“The medals and the trophies are now in place and we hope it will go well and maybe we can host another event for another tennis coach, Nelson Marondera, who died soon after Claudio,” said Richmore.
Lazarus Manjoro has been appointed the tournament convener with Shepherd Manyumbu coming as the referee and Albert Nhamoyebonde as the event director.
Online Reporter