Zim players for African Junior champs

THE country’s junior tennis aces will take part in the African Junior Championships set for Togo in March.

The Under-14 contest is under the Confederation of African Tennis (CAT) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

Representing the country in the girls’ team will be Africa’s number one ranked players Kuzivaishe Chapepa, Akeelah Khanye, Rutendo Tom, and Mufaro Ruwanza. The boys are Courage Ndhlovu, Muchengeti Manzungu, Noah Samshonga and Anotipa Chigudu.

They are expected to leave for Togo on February 24.

The players earned a berth to the continental showcase following their impressive performance at the Southern African Junior Individual and Teams Championships in Namibia in January.

In the tournament Zimbabwe girls won gold in the team event, beating South Africa 3-6, 6-1, 10-7. The team is coached by Athnie Chifamba.

Tennis Zimbabwe president Walter Jera confirmed the players’ selection to the African Junior Championships.

He said to Zimpapers Sports Hub: “We are proud to be having our future tennis stars going to the African Junior Championships. They did well at the zonal tournament and they got the ticket to go and play for the country at one of the continent’s biggest tournaments. We congratulate the players for that.

“Tennis Zimbabwe wishes them all the best and we hope they will improve their rankings as they gather more points,” said Jera.

The Tennis Zimbabwe boss revealed that owing to a lack of funds, they failed to organise a training camp for the players.

“Unfortunately, we are in a dire financial position and we could not have the players in camp, which means they will have to rely on their coaches for the preparations.

“The good performance by the Under-14s is going to inspire other players. On our part as Tennis Zimbabwe we will continue to focus on the junior tennis initiative to build critical mass and increase competition,” he said.