adminFrom Nkosilathi Sibanda in Bulawayo
FREEMAN Nyamunokora coach for the Zimbabwe tennis team advised his players to pull up their socks ahead of their first challenge this morning at the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games.
Nyamunokora made the stern call at the team’s last training session yesterday. Tennis games commence this morning.
Zimbabwe are represented by four players – two boys Ronzai Saurombe and Taremedzwa Mariga and two girls Rufaro Chirewa and seasoned campaigner Valeria Bhunu.
The gaffer, who is also Tennis Zimbabwe’s national selector, said it was high time the players make a mark and bag points for international recognition.
“All I am saying is that my players must not lose. We do not want to have disappointments.”
He said the Zimbabwe team will use home advantage to rake valuable world ranking points in this sixth AUSC Under-20 Youth Games meet.
This year the Zimbabwean quartet of players travelled around the globe to play in major tournaments in order to earn valuable points. “This is an important tournament for our players. It is the only chance to improve on their world rankings. Everyone is expected to do well taking into consideration that they will be playing at home,” he said.
Other competing countries also had a feel of the Bulawayo Athletics Club courts. In the afternoon, teams gave each other chances on the five hard surface courts.
Online Reporter