Online Reporter
Tinashe Kusema
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE generally have a good record at the annual ITF/CAT Southern Africa Junior Individual and Teams Championships and this year promises to be no different.
Tennis Zimbabwe have sent a strong 12-member team that will compete in the Under-14 and Under-16 Boys and Girls categories, who hope to go one up and finally knock off South Africa from the top.
The tournament, slated for January 9-17 in Botswana, will act as qualifiers for the Billie Jean and Davis Cup tournaments but Zimbabwe have set their sights on loosening South Africa’s stranglehold on the competition.
Speaking ahead of their departure for Botswana yesterday, Team Zimbabwe coach Davison Dhlamini was oozing with confidence as he revealed their main objective at the regional tennis meet.
“This is a regional tennis tournament that we have been participating in for some time now and it has been the pride of the country,” said Dhlamini.
“Our players have generally done well at this level, either winning their sections or, at the very least, reaching the quarter, semis and even the finals.
“So, our objective for this year’s edition is to firstly maintain our fine run and even win the whole tournament.
“We are sending our Under-14 and 16, boys and girls, who will compete in the individuals’ section and team event.
“Over the years, we have been falling short to South Africa in the team event but, hopefully, that changes this time around,” he said.
Tennis Zimbabwe have sent a strong team with the Under-14 boys represented by Joel Badza, Chamakh Zhuwakini and Munenyasha Mhlanga
In the girls’ section, it will be Ruvarashe Makunike, Claire Majeye and Passion Chigumira.
Wrapping the team is the Under-16 boys — Noah Samushonga, Sean Taruberekerwa and Myles Murindagomo — with the girls being represented by Rutendo Tom, Minehle Moyo and Akeelah Kanye.
According to Dhlamini, the team underwent a rigorous selection process with some coming battle-hardened after competing in the senior section just last month.
“The selection was solely based on rankings, for both the under 14 and 16, to ensure we have the best team possible,” he said.
“There is an under-14 circuit where our players take part in international events throughout the year. The kids travel around the world accumulating points so that they can be eligible to be selected for the national team.
“We also had a few exemptions for kids that can’t afford to travel around the world but are either good or have lots of potential.
“With these ones, the local rankings are also included. “As it pertains to the under-16s, selection was based on the ITF circuit.
“The preparation went well and the kids are going to Botswana battle tested as the under-16 players managed to play our senior tournaments in December last year.
“They took part in the under-18 tournament and managed to get into the quarter-finals so that is good.
