Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube
TENNIS Zimbabwe will continue to push for the hosting of International Tennis Federation (ITF) tournaments for Under-18s in Zimbabwe.
Already another tournament is lined up for March 23 in Bulawayo. Hopes are high that the girls will use the two legs of the event to maximize on points and move up the world rankings.
Tennis Zimbabwe official, Glory Gijima said the association had also been in touch with some corporate organisations and the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee to ask for support for a promising crop of Under-18s.
“Tennis Zimbabwe has continued to host ITF 18S to give our players more opportunities to rise up in their rankings. We are also petitioning for funding from ZOC and other stakeholders for our girls to attend WTA tournament in the region,” said Gijima.
Rutendo Tom, Akeelah Khanye and Simphiwe Malunguza returned from Mozambique from another ITF Junior Tournament where they won gold.
Malunguza won the doubles and singles tournaments there with the other two girls scooping the doubles.
Zimbabwe’s top players and their world rankings in brackets
Kuzivaishe Chapepa (598), Kudzai Chapepa (620), Simphiwe Malunguza (639), Channelee Zhuwakini (849), Rutendo Tom (876), Rutendo Mavhenyengwa (1213), Minenhle Moyo (1214), Akeelah Khanye (1297), Claire Majeye (2242) and Thandiwe Nkala (2347)
