Moffat Mungazi
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
TASHINGA Mtisi, a Lower Sixth learner at St Dominic’s High School in Mutare, is currently competing in the Under-18s International Tennis Federation (ITF) Tournament in Mozambique.
Fresh from his debut Davis Cup appearance, Mtisi reflected on the experience, describing it as an eye-opener.
As part of the Zimbabwean team, alongside Benjamin and Courtney Lock, Ethan Sibanda, and non-playing captain, Gwinyai Tongoona, Mtisi faced off the Moroccans at Harare Sports Club.
Although they were ultimately outplayed by the technically superior Moroccan team, Mtisi cherished the opportunity to represent his country on the big stage.
In an interview from Maputo, Mozambique, Mtisi expressed his pride, saying: “I felt honoured to represent Zimbabwe. As the youngest player on the team, I was thrilled to have played for my country on such a prestigious platform. I had a lot of pressure though because people were looking up to me and expected results. But for my first experience, it was amazing. I have no regrets. I would like to thank my coaches and Tennis Zimbabwe for giving me the opportunity, and everyone who made it possible for me to get there.”
On the lessons learnt from his Davis Cup debut, Mtisi said: “I learnt a lot. Obviously, I played with guys older than me and though l lost, I really picked up a few things that I am working on during practice sessions. Personally, I think it was just a matter of experience. Playing bigger tournaments and playing on a bigger stage, controlling nerves on pressure points and giving your best when it matters the most is all that I need to perfect.”
In the long term, Mtisi aims at playing the game at a professional level.
“The goal is to turn pro and playing in senior tournaments as well as in future ATP events, thus making history for Zimbabwe is also my biggest wish. I will be proud to raise my country’s flag high like Byron and Wayne Black, Courtney and Benjamin Lock. Of course, I have a lot to do since some of the players in Mutare, and specifically Mantas such as Genius Gidzikwe have already set the pace for me. I think I just have to follow in their footsteps and hope for the best,” he said.
Zimbabwe tennis team failed to take advantage of playing on home soil after they recorded a whitewash at the hands of Morocco in a Davis Cup Group II play-offs.
The defeat saw Zimbabwe being relegated to Group III of the Africa Davis Cup competition.
Running for two days, Zimbabwe tennis team was taken for a ride by the visitors, who dominated with victories in successive days.
Zimbabwe’s streak of defeats started when Courtney Lock and Ethan Sibanda losing their singles matches.
Courtney lost by 6-2 6-4 to Taha Baadi, while Sibanda went down 6-3 6-2 to Elliot Benchentrit.
Morocco continued with its dominance over Zimbabwe the following day with their doubles team winning 6-1 6-1 to claim an unassailable 3-0 lead.
In the doubles, the hosts were represented by Courtney Lock and Mtisi, who came in for injured Ethan Sibanda.
With a task to save the face of Team Zimbabwe, Mtisi played Karim Bennani in the reverse singles match in which he lost by 6-4 6-3, taking the tally to 4-0 win for the visitors.
Online Reporter