Nhokwara happy to host Futures events

but they failed to raise the funds to host two events.
The ITF requires that if their members want to host the Futures event, they should hold either two US$15 000 money prize events or three US$10 000 events.
However, for this year, TZ have secured a sponsor for a single US$10 000 event and will co-host with South Africa, who are hosting two US$10 000 tournaments.
Zimbabwe were given the opportunity to stage the tournament that will be held from November 23 to December 1 at Harare Sports Club.
Nhokwara said lack of sponsorship has been their major drawback.
“The ideal situation is we are supposed to host two US$15 000 or three US$10 000 prize money tournaments but as a result of lack of sponsorship we were allowed to host one event and then tied it with South Africa because there are two legs there.
“South Africa also failed to raise money for three events but they managed to raise enough funds for two US$10 000 prize money tournaments, so the ITF requested us to combine the events.
“We used to host these tournaments up until 2005 but when we had the economic meltdown sponsors were failing to come up with the required money so we had to slow down but now it’s an opportunity to carry forward,” said Nhokwara. Nhokwara said the tournament presents an opportunity for local players to get exposure as they battle it out with some of the world’s best players. It’s a huge opportunity for our youngsters because they can now get points playing at home instead of always travelling to other countries. Even if they don’t get that ranking, they get exposure by playing with some of the world’s professional players.