The Sunday Mail
FORMER Davis Cup player Nigel Badza is a bitter man.
As Zimbabwe prepare to face Turkey in a Euro/Africa Group II tie at Harare Sports Club next month, Badza cannot help but wonder how his career could have penned out had he played in a different era.
Now 33 and based in South Africa, where he is coaching, Badza alleges that he was a victim of the way Tennis Zimbabwe operated under the Paul Chingoka-led executive.
“I believe if the Chingoka administration was fair and gave everyone the opportunities they were meant to get, Zimbabwean tennis would still be up there.
“There were a lot of good, talented players who should by now have made names in the tennis world but were deprived,” thundered Badza from his South African base.
Badza made his Davis Cup debut at 19 against Italy at the City Sports Centre in 2003 but never went on to realise his full potential. He had several fall outs with Tennis Zimbabwe and Badza recalls how his relationship with the Chingoka administration took a knock.
“All the friction started when I asked them (TZ) why I wasn’t given my share of the preparation funds which were given to everyone who was selected to represent the country at the (2003) All Africa Games.
“I also asked why I wasn’t paid in full for my participation in the Davis Cup tie against Italy when others were paid.
“I was given US$ 175 by other players . . . money I didn’t even sign for,” he said.
However, an administrator who was part of Chingoka’s team says Badza’s tale is a case of sour grapes.
“It’s rather sad that he is saying that now, after all these years. We served Zim tennis well, gave everyone a chance and remain proud of the work that we did,” he said.
But Badza was viewed as a controversial character long before he broke into the Davis Cup team.
He was once accused of forging O’ Level results. It’s something he regrets and does not want to talk much about.
“I would appreciate if we skip that part, it’s a long story,” said Badza in a desperate bid to side step the matter.
“I was misled by a friend who is still playing tennis and coaches there in Mutare. After all these years, it still feels like it happened yesterday. I regret making that stupid mistake.”
Meanwhile, Badza says he is ready to play his part in the development of the game in Zimbabwe.
“After everything has been said and done, I am Zimbabwean and l am ready to help my country in any way possible,” he said.
