Chronicle Editor
Ngqwele Dube, Sports Correspondent
TENNIS Zimbabwe will send a youthful team to the Bill Jean King Cup being staged in Lithuania from tomorrow as part of a junior development thrust.
Biggie Magarira, the TZ president said with few women taking active part in the professional circuit they had decided to focus on development as the country returns to the women only event after a 12-year absence.
Junior players, Tadiwanashe Mauchi (15) and Tanyaradzwa Midzi (15) have been selected together with South Africa-based Valeria Bhunu and Fadzai Mawisire, who will lead the charges.
“We have that challenge that most female players desert the sport once they are over 18 and we are hoping to use this experience to ensure they find value in remaining in the sport.
“After long deliberations as TZ, we decided we send a young team and we believe these players will benefit immensely from meeting other professional female players and will be encouraged to go further in the sport,” he said.
Selectors had opted for Kimberly Bhunu but could not make the team due to educational commitments.
Player/coach Mawisire was named captain.
Meanwhile, South Africans, Andreas Scoot and Suzanie Pretorius respectively clinched the boys and girls J5 Bulawayo Cranrid – ITF South Central Zim Leg 2 that ended yesterday at the Bulawayo Country Club.
Scott beat compatriot Yarona Morule 6-0, 6-4 while Pretorius beat Malaysian, Jo-Leen Saw 6-4, 7-6 (4).
Bongani Ndlovu