The Sunday Mail
Fatima Bulla Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe team yesterday gained promotion into the Euro/Africa Zone Group II after dismissing Namibia 2-0 in Cairo, Egypt.
A five-men team, led by non-playing captain Martin Dzuwa, capped a fine week with victory over the Namibians at the Smash Tennis Academy.
Top seed Takanyi Garanganga saw off Tuki Jacob 6-2, 6-2, while Benjamin Lock outclassed Jacobus Serdym 6-0, 6-1.
The victories made the doubles match a dead rubber.
After two years of bowing out in the semi-finals, Dzuwa was naturally an elated man last night.
“Everyone is really happy after eight years of trying,” he said.
“Our group was tough because we had to beat Nigeria and Madagascar. Having come so close in the previous play-offs, we felt that this must be our year and we worked hard,” said Dzuwa.
Zimbabwe will next year be joined by Madagascar in the Euro/Africa Zone Group II.
Promotion will also see the country hosting Davis Cup matches.
The team finished top of Pool A after winning all their three group matches over Congo, Madagascar and Nigeria.
While elated by the promotion, Dzuwa was quick to point out that playing in the Euro Africa Zone Group II will not be a picnic.
“The boys have to be more active now playing in Challengers and ATP tournaments so that they can familiarise with how their opponents play. We are happy that we have brought the Davis Cup home and we hope more corporates will come in to assist us,” Dzuwa said.
Garanganga, who will be heading to a tournament in Europe, believes team spirit carried Zimbabwe through.
“It has been a good week, we worked hard for it. The promotion was a sigh of relief after coming close in the last two years; everyone is really excited about it,” Garanganga said.
Lock hailed Dzuwa’s influence.
“We had good preparations with coach Dzuwa . . . the victory had been a long time in coming, hence it’s sweeter. This time we had a good team and we were pretty confident.
“We are happy to be having the Davis Cup home. It will be great playing at home,” he said.
