The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
DAVIS CUP captain Martin Dzuwa loved what he saw from his charges at the recent Futures tournaments at Harare Sports Club. The skipper also reckons that Takanyi Garanganga, despite his poor form, will be key in Zimbabwe’s battle to regain promotion into Euro/Africa Zone Group II.
The Zimbabwean quartet of Benjamin Lock, Mark Fyn, Tadiwa Chinamo and Mehluli Sibanda were all active in the Futures tournaments; with Lock winning three titles just three weeks before the Davis Cup campaign starts. The promotional competition will be held in Egypt from July 17-22 and Zimbabwe need to finish in the top two to regain pride of place in Euro/Africa Zone II.
“I think the guys have really played well, the tournaments were not easy, but they fought well ,” Dzuwa said. “I would also like to commend Benji, he has won titles and is improving on his game. What we need now is more of this.” While his teammates were doing business locally, Garanganga was finding the going tough in the Challenger tournaments.
Garanganga, ranked 434 on the men’s singles tour, played in the Eastbourne, IIkley and Nottingham 2 challengers in England last week. In Eastbourne, the 26-year-old bowed out early, losing 0-6 3-6 in the qualification round of 16 stage to 77th ranked Andrey Kuznestov of Russia.
At the IIkley Challenger Garanganga lost 3-6 6-3 3-6 to Croatian Pecotic Matija (475) again in the qualification round of 16. It was the same script for the US-based player in the Nottingham 2 Challenger as he went down 1-6 4-6 to Smith John Patrick (211) of Australia. However, Dzuwa believes having Zimbabwe’s number one player in the locker room will be a massive boost even before the first serve is made.
“We know we have a job ahead of us in regaining promotion into the Euro/Africa Group II but I believe with Takanyi available, we are strong and good enough to win the tournament. He is our number one player and bring with him a wealth of experience,” he said. The team is awaiting a medical report before making a decision on Courtney Lock who is battling a wrist injury.
“We are waiting on the final word on Courtney so we will have a final position next week (this week),” said Dzuwa, who has put Mark Chigaazira on standby.
