Garanganga out of Davis Cup tie Takanyi Garanganga
Takanyi Garanganga

Takanyi Garanganga

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S Davis Cup team will embark on a tough task next month to fight for survival in the Europe/Africa Group II relegation play-off against Georgia without number one player Takanyi Garanganga due to other commitments.

The tie is on July 15 to 17 in Georgia.

The team is made up of non-playing captain Martin Dzuwa, Benjamin Lock, Mark Fynn, Courtney Lock and Mehluli Sibanda.

Zimbabwe needs to win against Georgia to retain their spot in Group II following a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Finland in March, in the first round.

Tennis Zimbabwe administrator, Cliff Nhokwara, confirmed Garanganga’s absence from the team yesterday.

“Takanyi is trying to improve his international ranking so that he can play in challengers. So he has a programme that’s unfortunately clashing with our Davis Cup tie.

“So we have to excuse him on this one.

“But he has said he will be available for future Davis Cup ties. So, hopefully, we can call on him again,” said Nhokwara.

Dzuwa said they are expecting a tough tie as both Zimbabwe and Georgia battle to remain in Group II.

“He is our number one. Obviously, now, Benji is moving to be number one. We have to look from the other three guys who is going to replace him (Takanyi) in the singles.

“So we really needed Takanyi to be around to make it stronger. But we just have to work with what’s there.

“This is a relegation match to stay in the group. So it was crucial for him to be around. But unfortunately he is not available that’s why we included Mehluli Sibanda.

“I think he (Sibanda) has been playing well. His ranking has improved, he is top 300 now in juniors, so it’s good. It’s good for him to be part of the team, get experience, play with the top players and also see what goes on in such ties,” said Dzuwa.

All the players in the team are taking part in the Old Mutual ITF Futures Series at Harare Sports Club that started last week.

The first tournament started last Monday and ended on Saturday with Benjamin winning the singles title. And the second event began on Monday.

Dzuwa said they are optimistic the tournaments will give them more time to prepare together as a team before their departure for Georgia on July 10, soon after the end of the third event starting next week.

Sibanda, who will be making his maiden appearance in the Davis Cup competition, said he is excited to have been called up.

“I am really excited to play. I think it will be an honour to play for my country. And it feels good to be in the Davis Cup team.

“I don’t expect much because it’s my first time and I am quite young and those guys they are tough, they are good. But I will try my best,” said Sibanda.

Meanwhile, in matches played yesterday, Benjamin beat third seed, Tucker Vorster of South Africa, 6-4, 6-3.

His young brother Courtney lost 2-6, 3-6 to Andrea Vavassori before they partnered for the doubles where they beat Samuel Ferguson and Marc-Andrea Huesler 6-4, 6-3.

Sibanda lost 5-7, 3-6 to Matias Franco Descotte.

On Monday Fynn lost to United States’ John Lamble 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 while Tadiwa Chinamo suffered a 4-6, 4-6 defeat against Jayesh Pungliya of India.

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