mbulelo smpofu
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S junior players at the ongoing ITF/CAT Zonals have made a strong start to their campaign in the team events, winning their opening matches yesterday in Windhoek, Namibia.
The tournament, which targets 14-and-Under and 16-and-Under players, has been running since last Friday. The individual competitions, which preceded the team events, are set to conclude this Saturday.
The best performance for Zimbabwe in the singles matches came from the quartet of Divine Kaliofasi, Claire Majeye, Tendekai Msabaeka, and Chanelle Zhuwakini, who all reached the semi-finals.
Kaliofasi then teamed up with Joel Badza for the 14-and-Under boys’ doubles, where they reached the final. Emily George, who partnered with South Africa’s Morakane Anabel Molaoa, also reached the final in the girls’ doubles, but the pair lost in the final.
In the 16-and-Under boys’ category, Msabaeka and Noah Samushonga also lost in the final.
As the team events commenced yesterday, Zimbabwe beat Lesotho 3-0 in the 16-and-Under boys’ category. The team consisted of Noah Samushonga, Msabaeka, and Tadiwanashe Matambo.
The girls’ team also triumphed 3-0 against Lesotho, with Zhuwakini, Simphiwe Malunguza and Rutendo Mavhenyengwa forming the team.
In the 14-and-Under girls’ category, Zimbabwe’s team, consisting of Rutendo Tom, Emily George and Majeye, overpowered Mozambique 3-0. The boys also won 3-0 against Lesotho, with the team made up of Muchengeti Manzungu, Badza and Kaliofasi.
One of the coaches accompanying the team, Terrence Mazungaire, feels they can do even better in the team event.
“The players really played well. It’s just that South Africa is giving us stiff competition, as all our players lost to South African players in the individual events. South Africa dominated the finals. They have a strong team this year, but our players are doing well.
“I am hopeful that we can improve from the individual events as we move into the team events. I am confident we will do well. We have some top-ranked players in Africa. Emily George is number five in Africa; Rutendo Tom is sixth. Similarly, for the boys, Badza is number five and Muchengeti is number six.
“These four players are in the top 10. We have some of the top players in Africa, and I hope they will step up in the team event and achieve better results,” said Mazungaire.
The tournament is a qualifier for the Africa Junior Championships.
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