adminCurtworth Masango
The Zimbabwe Davis Cup team is making final preparations for their World Group II clash against Uruguay at the Harare Sports Club tomorrow and Saturday.
Zimbabwe is captained by Tatenda Garanganga and is made up of brothers, Benjamin and Courtney Lock, Mehluli Sibanda and Benedict Badza.
Zimbabwe is ranked 67th in the world while Uruguay is ranked 42nd.
Uruguay has seasoned players in Ariel Behar and Martin Cuevas, Ignaciou Carou, Franco Rocadelli, and Joaquin Cardozo. Enrique Perez captains the Uruguay team.
Sibanda said he won’t allow himself to play second fiddle to anyone in front of their home crowd.
“I was given my first chance when I was 16, but I am no longer a junior player anymore. I have to play to win, and that is the pressure I have to bear.
“Nervousness is always there, but I am excited. The Davis Cup is my favourite week of the year because the crowd gives you energy and motivation.
“Last time I was one point away. It was my first Davis Cup match and I really played well and a lot of people were surprised. To the fans, I say give us all the support.”
Badza said he is ready and fit to raise the country’s flag if given a debut.
“The players and captain have been helping me a lot with information. They have played a lot of tournaments and they keep helping me improve, so it’s very special to me.
“I haven’t competed in any tournament this season, but I am fit. I have been practicing with the best players in Zimbabwe, and obviously, my tennis has improved.
“I am very positive that if I get the chance to play, I am going to show the world my confidence. I want to be Zimbabwe’s top Davis Cup player in future and lead the country to higher groups,” he said.
Online Reporter