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Ellina Mhlanga-Senior Sports Reporter
TENNIS Zimbabwe president Walter Jera has lauded the Davis Cup for securing promotion into the World Group II but noted the need for his association to invest more into preparations for next year’s round of play-offs
Zimbabwe were placed second overall at the just-ended Africa Group III event after losing to South Africa in the positional play-offs at the University of Pretoria, South Africa over the weekend.
They had already earned their promotion after topping Pool B. They lost the first tie against Namibia before winning against Benin and Senegal.
This, coupled with Namibia’s defeat to Benin in the last Pool B games last Friday, saw Zimbabwe emerging tops in their group. They will now play in the World Group II Play-offs in 2024.
The other two nations that were promoted were the tournament winners South Africa and Togo, who finished third.
Led by captain Takanyi Garanganga the team included Zimbabwe’s top player Benjamin Lock, Liberty Nzula, Benedict Badza and Takura Mhwandagra.
In congratulating the team which had rookies Badza and Mhwandagara, Jera said it was important for TZ to invest more in the upcoming players and broaden their base for the future.
“Great performance indeed and we are all super thrilled over this end and big-up to the leader of the team Takanyi, Benji, to the youngsters Mhwandagara and Badza.
“We had these two development players in the form of Badza and Mhwandagara. It actually means we need to invest as Tennis Zimbabwe. We need to invest more into these two, we need to invest more into probably two others to join them.
“We have now gone back to the prestigious Group II, the competition will be stiffer.
“Yes, we didn’t have Courtney in the team but I saw him on the pictures, which means his heart is still there. He flew to South Africa in solidarity with the team.
“And if we do have that combination well invested — in Benji, Courtney and our development youngsters, we will then have put up a good depth going forward,” said Jera.
Zimbabwe were missing Courtney Lock due to an injury and Mehluli Sibanda when they travelled to South Africa.
Jera believes a broad base of players is key if they are to succeed at this level.
Online Reporter