TENNIS Zimbabwe president Biggie Magarira says he is excited by the future of the sport in the country after Zimbabwe’s Under- 12 girls team claimed a silver medal at the ITF/CAT African 12 and Under Team Competition Finals in Maputo on Saturday.
Zimbabwe was represented at the continental championships by the Bulawayo-based trio of Emily George, Akeelah Khanye and Tanaka Mhlanga, while Davison Dhlamini was the coach of the team.
After five days of very tough competition against some of the best junior players on the continent, Zimbabwe emerged in second position out of the six participating nations.
The Zimbabwean girls capped off a memorable week in Mozambique with a 3-0 sweep against the hosts to finish with an impressive record of four wins and just one loss, which came against the eventual winners Tunisia.
And Magarira, whose administration has been working around the clock to ensure that local junior tennis starlets get the much-needed international exposure, was delighted with the team’s impressive showing in Maputo.
He attributed the good results to new initiatives which have been implemented by his board as well as the support they have received from the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee.
“I'm excited that the girls won a silver medal. The juniors are doing extremely well, thanks to the new initiatives being implemented by Tennis Zimbabwe. My sincere gratitude goes to the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee which has come in support of the talent identification and development of junior players. I would also like to congratulate coach David Dhlamini and his players and also my warm regards to the parents of the players for their massive support.”
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe finished ahead of Kenya, who completed the podium with Ghana fourth.
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