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| From Left: Tinotenda Chipfakacha, Mason Mdzingwa top corner, James Makaranga bottom corner |
Three
of Masvingo’s tennis top aces proved their menthol and continued to raise the
province’s flag high when they put up a superb performance at the Zimbabwe and
Swiss Embassy (ZWISS) Open over the weekend.
The
diplomatic tournament was held at Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare on May 8,
where junior tennis players, boys and girls battled for honours from Under 10
to Under 18 age groups.
Masvingo
sent 13 tennis players to the tourney, three of which were in top form as they
outshined other competitors in their respective categories.
Tinotenda
Chipfakacha who played in the U14 category won the final match by a narrow
margin (6-3 6-4) against another talented player, Natalia Bonis.
Coach
Mark Chinyenyani said the maxes worked very hard in training and their performance
at the tourney was a reflection of hard work.
“The
results are a great reflection of the efforts of the player’s hard work prior
to attending the tournament. Our junior players have been working very hard in
training since January and their performance shows their high level of effort.
“I
think it’s a good starting stone for the juniors to be able to participate in
national tournament and come up with medals,” said Chinyenyani.
Under
14 girls were Rachel Mizha, Chantel Lunga, Thandiwe Nkala and Tinotenda
Chipfakacha.
James
Makaranga U18 boys reached finals but was defeated by Harare based Raja Mikhil
while Strive Bosha’s journey ended in the quarter finals.
Munyaradzi
Thomu, Mason Mdzingwa and Andile Nkala represented the province in the boys U10
category but only Mudzingwa managed to get bronze after finishing third.
James
Makaranga will be participating in the J5 International Tennis Federation (ITF)
tournament that will be played in Bulawayo.
The
tournament which will attract Zimbabwe’s best U18 players is expected to run
from 29 May to 12 June.
Masvingo
Tennis Board Chairperson, Munyaradzi Thomu said he was elated by the players’
performance and the support from their parents.
“I
am very pleased with the performance of Masvingo tennis players. They managed
to bring home three medals and I appreciate their efforts, coaches and parents
who have always been supportive,” said Thomu.
A
Takanyi Garanganga Initiative foundation (TGI) was also launched by the
Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, Kirsty Coventry.
Masvingo has been
performing fairly in the tennis fraternity where development and nurturing of
junior players is a priority.
