Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE Zimbabwe Davis Cup team is confident of a positive result when they collide with Uruguay in a World Group Two playoff at Harare Sports Club this weekend.
The tie gets underway on Friday with singles matches before the doubles and reverse singles on Saturday.
Zimbabwe are ranked 67, while Uruguay are 25 places above them on the International Tennis Federation rankings, but the hosts are confident of their chances.
Zim Davis Cup team player Mehluli Sibanda said, ‘‘We are taking them as a normal team we know they are ranked higher than us and have better players, but anything is possible and we have seen bigger chances for our side.’’
One of the team members, 17-year-old Benedict Badza is delighted to graduate from the junior team to the seniors and is relishing the opportunity to rub shoulders with experienced players.
“I have received a warm welcome from the senior team and the captain has taught me on-court staff and the Lock brothers have helped me psychologically to be well prepared. As the youngest player, I am looking forward to gaining a lot of experience that will see me improving my rankings as a player.”
Led by non-playing Captain Takanyi Garanganga, the other team members are Benjamin and Courtney Lock as well as Mehluli Sibanda.
The winner of the tie will book a slot in the World Group.
