TENNIS Zimbabwe (TZ) senior men’s team will face Hong Kong in the Davis Cup World Group II play-offs at the Victoria Park Tennis Stadiums in Hong Kong at the weekend.
The two day tournament starts on Saturday.
Zimbabwe was promoted to World Group II play offs last year after topping Pool B Africa Group III play-offs held in South Africa.
They were promoted together with South Africa and Togo.
Takanyi Garanganga, who was the captain for the previous Davis Cup team of Benjamin Lock, Takura Mwandagara, Liberty Nzula and Benedict Badza has retained his captaincy.
This year’s team comprises Benedict Badza,Tatenda Mutetwa, Benjamin Lock as well as Courtney Lock who missed last year’s tournament due to injury.
The team members commenced preparations in October last year and are already in camp in Hong Kong as they seek to acclimatise with the environment before the games start at the weekend.
TZ president Walter Jera said the team consists of both seniors and youngsters to promote growth and consistency.
“We are convinced that with our new strategic thrust to build a world class tennis nation, we have what it takes to reclaim our former glory and perhaps surpass it. It is a journey, however, that requires hands on deck from all stakeholders,” Jera said. “Our strategic view is to have youngsters who can understudy and then take over from the senior guys who have been on the tour for some time. We have Benedict who featured in the last tournament and we also have a pool of other youngsters whom we would want to see through and take over from the likes of Benjamin and Courtney who have ably led Zimbabwe to Group II.”
He was also delighted with the team’s progress and wished that the association continues to come up with strategies to support the players.
“Being a member of the Davis Cup Team is a glorious achievement for our tennis players. The current players have deservedly earned their place into the team, and we salute them, and give them our full support. I wish our team success and invite the entire nation to rally behind them,” he added.
Meanwhile, the losing nations from World Group I play-offs and the winners from World Group II play-offs will compete in World Group II ties in September, while the losing nations from World Group II play-offs will compete in regional Group III events later this year.
Zim Davis Cup Team
Takanyi Garanganga (captain)
Benjamin Lock
Courtney Lock
Benedict Badza
Tatenda Mutetwa-newsday
