Chronicle Editor
Ellina Mhlanga, Zimpapers Sports Hub
Tennis Zimbabwe acting general manager Linsent Chitiyo says preparations are underway for the upcoming Davis Cup World Group II Play-offs tie against Morocco, scheduled to take place early next year.
The 2025 World Group II Play-offs are set to occur either from 31 January to 1 February, or from 1 to 2 February. Zimbabwe will host Morocco at a venue to be announced. The national association has begun taking steps to ensure the event is a success.
“I think preparations are already underway, with communication having been sent to players to confirm their availability. And for the administrative procedures, they are already in motion to make sure we are ready to host the event,” said Chitiyo.
The winning nations will progress to a World Group II tie in September 2025, while the losing nations will compete in their respective regional Group III events later that year.
“It’s the play-offs, and we’re fighting to make sure that we compete in Group II. If we fail, it means we will be returning to the same competitions where it becomes more of a Group tournament for qualifiers again. So, if we fail in January against Morocco, it means we’ll be back in the play-offs in July to fight for promotion again to the World Group II play-offs,” Chitiyo explained.
“Most of our players have been doing what they can to remain active and competitive, so we can get promoted to Group II. We’ll see how it goes, but our expectations are to give our best and be promoted.”
The national association is also engaging with corporate partners for support towards the event.
“We are in the process of ensuring we’re ready administratively for the event. We are also engaging corporate partners who will assist us in making sure the event is a success,” Chitiyo added.
Zimbabwe secured promotion to the World Group II Play-offs for 2025 by earning one of the three promotional spots at the Africa Group III event held in Nigeria in July. The other two countries promoted from that event were Namibia and Nigeria.
However, Zimbabwe’s challenge has been in establishing themselves in World Group II. Prior to their promotion in July, they had been relegated to Africa Group III earlier this year after losing 3-1 to Hong Kong in an away World Group II Play-off tie. It marked the third consecutive year that Zimbabwe had found themselves back in Africa Group III. As they return to the World Group II Play-offs, they will be hoping for a win to advance to the World Group II ties.
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