TENNIS: Davis Cup team upbeat

23 Nov, 2014 - 05:11 0 Views

The Sunday Mail

THE Zimbabwe Davis Cup team’s non-playing captain, Martin Dzuwa, is unfazed by the financial challenges bedevilling Tennis Zimbabwe ahead of their Europe/Africa Zone Group II tie against Bosnia-Herzegovina in March next year.

Dzuwa instead is focusing on getting down to business as the pair of Mark Fynn and Takanyi Garanganga jet into the country this weekend for their off-season break.

Garanganga and Fynn will be flying home from the United States and Spain, respectively, while other team members Benjamin Lock and Tinotenda Chanakira remain active outside the country and are expected home sometime next month.

TZ has taken out their begging bowl in search of $100 000.

The money is expected to cover the refurbishment of tennis courts at Harare Sports Club, accommodation for the players and officials and transport, among other needs.

“I am not worried about the $100 000, I am more worried about the court. I will let the administrators do their work and hope that come March we will be ready.

“With the guys coming home for the off-season, we intend to have some training sessions just to see where we are and enhance team bonding.

“We should be having a session this week as we start preparing for the tie against Bosnia-Herzegovina, who are ranked higher than us. Yes, on paper they are better than us, but, look, we will be playing at home and have an advantage over them.

“Even our having played in the Davis Cup for a longer time than them gives us an advantage. However, playing at home makes the biggest difference.

“Because we are playing at home, we will make the courts to our preferences, hence the programme to refurbish the courts. The guys prefer a clay surface, which is a slower court and that’s what we will give them,” said Dzuwa.

The Davis Cup team gained promotion into EuroAfrica Zone II in Egypt two months ago.

Dzuwa disclosed that his intention is to instil team work and unity among the players.

“During my time with the Black brothers, I always felt as part of the team even if I didn’t play.

“That is what I am trying to instil in these guys that whoever is playing at that time is the best person to be playing,” said Dzuwa, who also highlighted the need to maintain a strong developmental tennis team.

“If you notice, after the Black brothers Byron and Wayne retired there was a huge gap; then came (Gwinyai) Tongoona, Genius (Chidzikwe) and myself.

“Then there was another gap, followed by the stream of Brian (Nyabadza) Dumiso Khumalo and (Andrew) Mawire.

“Then there is the current crop. I know Tennis Zimbabwe is fighting to keep a robust developmental programme, but it also takes the determination of the junior players.”

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