ITF U14 tourney begins

MORE than 50 young tennis players from across the continent are set to battle it out in the International Tennis Federation/Confederation of Africa Tennis Under-14 tournament which gets underway today at the Bulawayo Country Club.

The juniors’ tournament has attracted 52 players from eight countries and will present an opportunity for local players to face foreign opposition.

Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Tennis Board chairman Raggs Chikunichawa said international points are on offer at the tourney hence the huge interest.

The competition starts tomorrow (Monday) and ends on Thursday with another similar tourney beginning on the same day and ending on Sunday.

Chikunichawa said they were happy to host the two tournaments as that offered up-and-coming stars a chance to gain international points while at the same time getting exposed to foreign opposition.

“Local players find it difficult to travel to other countries due to financial constraints hence they have few opportunities to rake in international points. Playing against foreigners is critical because it allows you to see how far you are with your game giving you room to chart the right course,” he said.

Zimbabwe juniors taking part in the tourney include Ethan Sibanda, Claire Machisa, Ashley Dube, Munashe Bera, Tsitsi Mahere and Takura Murandagara.

Chikunichawa said players will be coming from countries such as Botswana, Egypt, South Africa, Madagascar, Kenya, Cameroon, Kenya and Zimbabwe.

A training camp composed of 20 players started on Thursday and ended yesterday afternoon.

The players were taken through some drills by the ITF development officer for Southern Africa, Riaan Kruger and local coach, Freeman Nyamunokoro.

Meanwhile, a small contingent of four Bulawayo juniors proved their worth during last week’s Ambassador’s E-rotary Club Development tennis tourney played at Harare Sports Club.