Online Reporter
Theseus Mauruki Shambare
THE Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) White Rhinos Tennis Club will today host the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Tennis Tournament for the first time, with 10 teams set to battle for honours over three days.
The tournament runs until Sunday at the Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks Tennis Courts, bringing together teams from across the defence forces.
The competition provides military personnel with an opportunity to showcase their tennis skills while promoting physical fitness, teamwork and camaraderie.
ZNA Director Civil Military Relations Colonel Fungayi Mapaya said sport remained an important component of maintaining a physically fit and versatile force.
“Physical training and sport are central to the health and well-being of soldiers. Sports remain a vital pillar in maintaining a versatile and combat-fit force,” Col Mapaya said.
He said the tournament would complement physical training while allowing personnel to compete and interact outside their normal duties.
“Sporting activities are central to the health and well-being of soldiers,” he said.
The hosting of the tournament marks a milestone for the White Rhinos Tennis Club, which is staging the defence forces competition for the first time.
Col Mapaya said sporting competitions also helped promote qualities important to military service, including discipline, teamwork and cohesion.
The tournament comes as the ZNA continues to promote sporting activities as part of efforts to maintain the fitness and welfare of its personnel.
Ahead of the competition, the White Rhinos received a boost after local company Arlo FEMI (Pvt) Ltd donated sporting kit to the club.
The donation comprised tracksuits, caps, T-shirts and souvenirs.
Col Mapaya thanked the company for supporting the development of tennis within the ZNA and said such assistance contributed to player morale.
“The ZNA greatly appreciates your support towards the development of sports and the tennis discipline in particular,” he said.
“We are happy to be associated with Arlo FEMI as we both place emphasis on the application of ethical business practices.”
He challenged the White Rhinos to deliver a strong performance during the tournament and make the most of the support they had received.
“The Guest of Honour challenged the White Rhinos team to deliver a stellar performance during the tournament to honour the donation and proudly carry the Arlo FEMI brand to victory,” he said.
Arlo FEMI director Geoffrey Chihuri said his company was committed to supporting the club and pledged continued assistance towards its activities.
Chihuri also accepted honorary membership of the ZNA White Rhinos Tennis Club.
The tournament is expected to conclude on Sunday, with the 10 participating teams competing for honours in the ZDF tennis calendar.
The event is also expected to strengthen sporting ties within the defence forces while providing personnel with a platform to maintain physical fitness and develop teamwork through competition.
