The Sunday Mail
ZIMBABWE’s number one tennis player Takanyi Garanganga’s dream to be on the world’s top 100 list is chocking under mounting financial challenges.
Garanganga, who is currently in the country after having participated in a Governor’s Cup Invitational tournament in Nigeria, relies on his father and well- wishers to bankroll his professional career.
As a result, the 24-year old’s dream is slowly drifting away with his ranking sliding from a career high of 288 in August to the current 388.
“I don’t have any significant thing that I would say yah this has been great this year. It’s just little positive goals that I have been able to attain.
“I would have loved to be in the top 100 by now but the financial challenges are taking their toll.
“The 288 ranking is all about putting things together as best as I can,” said the Mbare-born star.
The world’s top 100 tennis players have the privilege of competing in elite tournaments like the Grand Slam and ATP tour events.
However, with no trainer, a coach and consistent programme Garanganga, who also spends much time in fundraising efforts, is battling against heavy odds. However, the United States-based tennis star remains determined.
“Bluntly I think I have been saying this for years and years.
“People don’t want to hear these problems I have, even if I have been saying them over and over.
They just want to hear that Takanyi is doing well.
“For me there are kids like me right now that are playing tennis and a lot of professional athletes too from all over Africa who had situations like I have now and they stopped tennis because they couldn’t get the financial help or other problems that come with being on the road.
“So for me if I can overcome all these situations the next generation or the one after can have a higher bench mark. It’s not just about me,” he said.
In September, Garanganga was part of the five-member Zimbabwe Davis Cup team that gained promotion into the 2015 Euro/Africa Group II but the tennis star is taking it cool.
“The Davis Cup has its own place and it’s a good thing for any nation.
As a fan there is nothing wrong with celebrating that. But if you are looking at being a professional athlete and get to the highest level of winning Grand Slams that’s not really something that you would really celebrate about,” Garanganga said.
Garanganga’s monthly needs
Head coach salary: $8 000
Airfares: $2 000-$3 000
Tournament accommodation:
$500-$1000
Trainer: $600-$800
Pre-tournament preparation
$1600 for 6 months
Meals: $250-$400
Clothing and shoes: $400
Club memberships: $250
Tournaments
Airfares: $2500-$6000
Accommodation: $1 500-$3 500
Transport: $250-$750
Medical and dietary needs: $180
Stringing rackets: $400
