mbulelo smpofu
Ellina Mhlanga, Zimpapers Sports Hub
TENNIS coach Terrence Mazungaire has praised the junior team that finished second at the recently concluded ITF/CAT 16-and-Under and 14-and-Under tournament in Windhoek, Namibia.
The tournament began with an individual event before progressing to the team event, which concluded over the weekend. Zimbabwe were represented in both age categories, with the boys’ and girls’ teams reaching the finals in their respective groups. However, they ultimately lost to South Africa and settled for second place.
“The team performed very well. They put up a good fight, and I’m proud of them,” said Mazungaire. “We had opportunities to achieve a better result, but the South Africans handled the tough situations better than we did. They need to play more challenging tournaments to identify areas for improvement and to learn how to manage pressure effectively.”
In the 14-and-Under boys’ category, Joel Badza lost 0-6, 0-6 to Nicholas Kruger, while Divine Kaliofasi fell 2-6, 6-7 (1) to Tristan Summers, resulting in a 2-0 defeat for Zimbabwe.
The girls’ team faced a similar outcome. Emily George lost 1-6, 0-6 to Lily Haley, and her teammate Rutendo Tom was defeated 2-6, 3-6 by Leago Dube, leading to a 0-2 loss.
In the 16-and-Under boys’ competition, Tendekai Msabaeka was beaten 2-6, 0-6 by Eathan Pieber, and Noah Samushonga lost 6-1, 7-5 to Hlumani Kekana, resulting in another 0-2 loss for Zimbabwe.
On the girls’ side, Zimbabwe lost 2-1. Chanelle Zhuwakini was narrowly defeated 2-6, 6-7 (6) by Roxy Bredenkamp, while Simphiwe Malunguza delivered a strong performance, beating Jenna Theron 6-4, 6-3. However, the doubles match proved decisive, as Malunguza and Zhuwakini lost 4-6, 5-7 to South Africa’s Bredenkamp and Theron.
Tennis Zimbabwe General Manager Linsent Chitiyo described the results as encouraging.
“It’s motivating for us as a nation. We’re pleased with the team’s overall performance. Compared to previous years, we’ve seen progress.
“Last year, our teams often finished second or third in their age groups. This year, we’ve improved our selections, and the players have lived up to our expectations,” said Chitiyo.
The national association is now awaiting confirmation of the players who have qualified for events such as the Africa Junior Championships (AJC) and other competitions.
“Now that the tournament is over, we’re awaiting official communication. We anticipate that at least nine athletes have qualified for the AJC, which will be held in Kenya. What’s especially encouraging is that the team performed well at the start of the year, despite limited competition opportunities so far,” added Chitiyo.
The association is also focusing on the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games.
Other participating countries included hosts Namibia, who finished third, as well as Botswana, Madagascar, Mauritius, Lesotho, Mozambique, Angola, and Eswatini.
Siphakeme .Mnindwa
