The Sunday Mail
DESPITE a disappointing start to their fundraising campaign, Tennis Zimbabwe remain hopeful of securing the $100 000 required to host a Davis Cup Euro/Africa Group II tie in March next year.
More than a fortnight ago TZ launched a campaign aimed at raising funds for the hosting of Bosnia/Herzegovina at Harare Sports Club on the weekend of March 6-8, 2015.
TZ president Regis Bhunu disclosed that a number of companies have expressed interest in partnering them, but nothing concrete has been agreed upon.
“There are considerations currently going on with certain companies which have approached us and expressed interest. They are looking at possibilities of partnering us,” Bhunu said without divulging the names of the companies.
“At the moment, we can say it is work in progress and it looks promising. I can say that we can, we are hopeful to raise the funds. But as long as you haven’t secured anything, you cannot afford to relax,” added Bhunu.
The $100 000 is required for renovations of the tennis court, accommodation and food.
TZ, in partnership with Hexagon Sports Management, intend to take a community approach to drum up support for the Davis Cup matches by setting up miniature courts around suburbs.
Furthermore, the initiative is expected to see Byron and Cara Black being roped in to assist with coaching budding youngsters.
Bhunu disclosed that the programme is yet to take off.
“We are still working on that because it also requires funds. The whole strategy is for us to build a name so that the community can be appreciative and render support,” Bhunu said.
Zimbabwe earned promotion into Europe/Africa Zone Group II after defeating Namibia 2-0 in the finals of a promotion play-off held in Egypt in September. The country was represented by non-playing captain Takanyi Garanganga, Tinotenda Chanakira, Benjamin Lock and Mark Fynn.
The team’s exploits at the Smash Tennis Academy earned them a place among the nominees for the Annual National Sport Awards team of the year finalists. Dzuwa is also in the running for the coach of the year gong after inspiring his team to a promotion that had been long in coming.
Zimbabwe enjoyed its best moments during the Byron and Wayne Black era, with the country reaching the world group quarter–finals in 1998. The team was booted out by Italy after stunning Australia 3-2 away in Melbourne in the first round.
Bhunu said marketing initiatives are needed for the community to appreciate that such milestone achievements are only attained through “massive support.”
“It takes time to build a name like we had years ago. And when that name has been built, we will have companies and the community supporting us such that our tennis players will not struggle for financial support.
“For instance, the Takanyi (Garanganga) issue has been a panic. It’s a dire need and we have tried to liaise with companies, but unfortunately we have not had much joy,” said the TZ boss.
