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Ellina Mhlanga
Senior Sports Reporter
FOLLOWING Zimbabwe’s promotion back into the Davis Cup World Group II Play-offs, Tennis Zimbabwe president, Walter Jera, underscored the importance of investing in juniors to create a wider pool of competitive players.
The Zimbabwe Davis Cup team, made up of siblings Benjamin and Courtney Lock, and Lyle Zaloumis, finished third at the Africa Group III over the weekend to earn one of the three slots for promotion into World Group II Play-offs.
The week-long tournament attracted six countries – Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Namibia, Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
The team was led by non-playing captain Takanyi Garanganga.
Three countries were promoted, including Zimbabwe.
However, the concern has been the failure by the county to establish themselves in Group II.
“It has been like back and forth. But what it also shows is, certainly we don’t belong to Group III and certainly we are going to find it tough in Group II.
“So, what needs to be done now is to ensure that we beef up for staying in Group II.
“And what that requires is even in this one, you saw the entry of another young player, Zaloumis. In the past we saw (Benedict) Badza.
“What we need to do now, as a plan going forward to stay in Group II, is we need to strengthen our youngsters because obviously Benji has carried us and Courtney has carried us. We now need to build on a strong young team that takes in on the experience from Benjamin and Courtney.
“That’s the only way we can ensure that we are able to stay afloat,” said Jera.
The other two countries that earned promotion were the tournament winners Namibia and second-placed Nigeria.
Zimbabwe, who lost the opening encounter 1-2 to Nigeria, had a strong come back to post victories against Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Namibia and Benin.
“The Namibian team have these young ones as well, but their young ones are actually having experience on competitive tours outside, which is what Zimbabwe must concentrate on.
“Get resources, make sure that our young team is exposed to tougher competitions for us to be able to stay.”
Jera saluted the Zimbabwean players for their effort.
Online Reporter