Story by Mthokozisi Dube
ZIMBABWEAN junior tennis player, Tanaka Mhlanga is hoping to get it right at the African junior tennis championships slated for Egypt on April 14.
Having featured in international competitions in Mozambique and Morocco, Mhlanga believes her third hunt should yield positive results in a competition, which will see two age groups from 12 participating countries.
Mhlanga, who once came second in the African Championships before a disappointing under 14 outing in Morocco, is banking on the ITF experience she accumulated.
“I have put in some good preparations and i am hoping to ride on the experience i got from the ITF tournaments to come in handy for me. It is my third chase and I hope to do well,” the junior player said.
Mhlanga will not be alone in Egypt as five other Zimbabweans will be part of the ITF Tournament.
The Bulawayo Metropolitan Tennis Board is providing the bulk of players to represent the nation in Egypt, and there is hope the athletes will make the nation proud.
“We have an action packed calendar, and during the weekend of April 11, our athletes will play in an ITF tourney but all eyes are on the junior championships to be hosted by Egypt,” Chairperson of the Bulawayo Metropolitan Tennis Board, Tendai Chikunichawa said.
Brian Dube, Rufaro Ruwanza and Noah Sanushonga will participate in the boys under 16 category, while, Emily George now based at the ITF centre in Tunisia and Kudzai Chapepa will carry the national flag in the girls under 14 category, which is also a World Cup Qualifier.
