Moffat Mungazi
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
UNITED States-based tennis sensation, Tanatswa Musabaeka’s career is on the rise after being named the best all-round player.
The 20-year-old Mutare-born athlete, is currently pursuing her third-year Biology studies at Benedict College.
In an interview from her US base, Musabaeka expressed her pride and gratitude, saying: “I am incredibly proud of this achievement. It has taken a lot of hard work, persistence, and belief to get here. Every challenge along the way made this moment even more meaningful. I am equally grateful for the sAupport around me and excited for what’s next.”
Musabaeka is one of the numerous tennis players who trace their roots to the eastern border city, and migrated to the USA, thanks to their agility and prowess on the court.
Back home, the 2025 Thomas Frank Martin Memorial Tournament was recently held in Mutare, attracting 95 players from various parts of the country, including Kadoma, Harare, Bulawayo, and Masvingo.
In the red ball boys’ category, the winner was Decent Moponde, while the runner-up was Ordeal Chihowa, with Janaya Saungwene settling for the third position.
For the orange ball girls’ category, Tshili Wanele emerged the winner.
In the runner-up position was Kayla George, while Jarmine Mashura came third.
Orange girls’ doubles saw George Kayla and Tshili Wenele getting the better of Bella Chinotsa and Runyararo Mashita to win the contest.
In the orange balls boys’ competition, Milosh Nyatoti emerged the winner, while Nyasha Mutsika was the runner-up. Bonezh Gwerere came third.
The duo of Nyasha Mutsika and Milosh Nyatoti won the orange ball boys doubles competition, while the runner-up position went to Kupakwashe Chihowa and Marvel Sitemere.
Tesia Sithole was the green girls’ winner, while Anastacia Chirombe was the runner-up. Salome Zhandire came third.
In the green girls’ doubles contest, the winner was Chirombe and Makanya, while Sithole and Zhandire came second.
For the green boys’ competition, the winner was Rufaro Mhundwa, while Decylyn Mashura settled for silver.
In third place was Hayden Funani
The green boys’ doubles competition saw Mashura and Mhundwa emerging winners over Ndoro and Funani, who were in the runner-up position.
12 and under girls’ competition saw Mia Kaliofas emerging the winner, while Chloe Hayes came second.
In the 12 and under boys, Sibusiso Sibanda was the winner, while Toanashe Danda came second.
In third place was Andile Mutsekwa.
The 12 and under boys’ doubles competition saw Danda and Sibanda emerging winners, while Mutsekwa and Sitemere came second.
Passion Chigumira was the winner in the 14 and under competition, while Ruvarashe Makunike settled for the second position. In third place was Maphosa.
In the 14 and under boys’ contest, the winner was Chamahk Zhuwakini, while Unathi Sithole came second and Bjorn Nyamunokora third.
The 16 and under girls’ competition saw Aekelah Kanye coming out tops, while Rufaro Ruwanza was second. Minihle Moyo was third.
Gifted Tinotenda Chipfakacha was the winner in the 18 and under girls’ competition, while Thandiwe Nkala came second and Rudo Malachi was third.
Tendekai Musabaeka was the winner in the 18 and under boys’ competition, while Bradely Nyamunokora came second.
Sean Taruberekera was third.
Online Reporter