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Mark Fynn

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
The Zimbabwe Davis Cup tennis team member Mark Fynn says they have to remain positive ahead of their Europe/Africa Group II tie against Georgia next month.

The two countries meet in a relegation play-off after losing their first round ties in March.

Zimbabwe lost 1-4 to Finland while Georgia lost 0-5 to Denmark.

The winning country will stay in Group II while the losing side will be relegated to the less fashionable world of Africa Zone Group III.

Zimbabwe on Tuesday named their team for the upcoming tie made up of non-playing captain Martin Dzuwa, Fynn, the Lock brothers – Benjamin and Courtney – and Mehluli Sibanda.

They are all taking part in the Old Mutual ITF Futures Series at Harare Sports Club.

Zimbabwe will be without the services of Takanyi Garanganga, who has other commitments.

Fynn said they have to focus on the tie and is optimistic they will rise above the challenge.

“It’s always unfortunate for us because one of our players usually can’t make it, especially when it’s one of our players who play at the top of the line-up,” he said.

“But we always have to look forward. And you can’t keep thinking about what if, or what would happen and all that, you just got to look forward.

“And we are happy with the team that we have. We have a very good team.

“So, hopefully, we can go there and come home with the right result.”

Zimbabwe find themselves in the same situation as last year when they had to play in the relegation play-off after losing the first tie to Bosnia-Herzegovina.

They then beat Moldova to retain their spot in the group.

Fynn said they are hoping for a repeat of last year when they meet Georgia before adding that the ongoing futures tournaments are an ideal build-up to next month’s tie.

“There is always pressure whenever you play. But we had a relegation match last year which we came through really well.

“Of course, this is a different year, a different tie but we feel like we have got good players on our team as well. So, we are relishing this tie and really looking forward to it.

“I think the tournaments here have been an ideal preparation for the tie against Georgia. The tie is also going to be on hard courts with a bit of altitude as well.

“So, three weeks of preparations here is ideal for us especially having the whole team here. That definitely plays in our favour.

“It should help us out a lot more. Normally we have about four to five days together before the tie. But now having almost a month together plus the two weeks I was in Mozambique with these guys (Courtney and Benjamin), it makes possibly six weeks together before the tie.

“So it means everyday having the whole team together we are pushing each other the whole time. So it’s definitely a huge benefit for us and definitely helps us,” Fynn said.

The team is expected to leave for Georgia on July 10, just after the Futures tour- naments.