Zim lose to SA in ITF/CAT tourney

SOUTH Africa beat Zimbabwe, while Madagascar dominated Mozambique in the boys’ matches in the ITF/CAT 12 years and under Southern Africa Junior Team Competitions played on Wednesday at the Bulawayo Country Club.

In the first singles match, Zimbabwe’s Mengezi Sibanda beat South Africa’s Guy Vorwerk 6-1, 6-1, 2-6, while Takura Mhwandagara Takura fell to Jordan Georgiew 6-3, 6-4.

Zimbabwe’s pair of Takura Mhwandagara and Milosovlyevic Marko were beaten 6-3, 6-1 by South Africa’s Georgiew and Matthsen in the doubles, giving South Africa a 2-1 lead.

In the other group, Magadascar’s Tody Rajaobelina beat Rose Edilson of Mozambique 6-1, 6-4.

Robarijaona Tefy ensured Madagascar’s dominance over Mozambique by beating Figueredo Luca 6-3, 6-4.

Adrianoaivo and Rajaobalina went on to claim both sets in the doubles, beating Rose and Matingue 6-3, 6-1.

Despite going down to South Africa, Zimbabwe’s boys’ coach Vincent Nyatoti heaped praises on his charges for putting on a fine show.

“Although we lost the doubles and one game in the singles, l believe we lost to a better team. Ideally the boys played very well; l cannot say there is anywhere we went wrong,” said Nyatoti.

The competition is meant to develop and expose youngsters to international standards with the hope of grooming players for future national team assignments.

Countries participating at the tournament are South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Botswana and Zimbabwe. The competition ends on Sunday. — Sports Reporter/online