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Ellina Mhlanga 

Senior Sports Reporter 

ZIMBABWE Davis Cup team captain Takanyi Garanganga says playing more matches as part of the build-up to next year’s World Group II Play-offs will be key for the players.  

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) announced the draws for the 2024 Davis Cup World Group I and World Group II Play-offs last week. 

And Zimbabwe are going to face Hong Kong in the World Group II Play-offs. 

The ties are scheduled to take place on either February 2 to 3 or February 3 to 4, 2024. 

“The draw came out, we are playing Hong Kong, they are seeded five. I am not going to say it’s an easy draw or it’s a bad draw, I mean its Davis Cup and it’s a competition where all teams are competitive and we are looking forward to it as a nation,” said Garanganga.  

Zimbabwe were promoted back into the World Group II Play-offs last month after coming tops in Pool B at the Africa Group III event held in South Africa. 

The team included the country’s top player Benjamin Lock, Liberty Nzula and upcoming players Benedict Badza and Takura Mhwandagara. 

It will be an away tie for Zimbabwe when they take on Hong Kong. 

Garanganga is hopeful and underscored the importance of playing more matches as part of the build-up. 

“In terms of the team, Hong Kong they have a young team as well, I mean we have been in that position as well when we were young and we had energy and I will be expecting them to be competitive especially if they are playing at home. I am sure the crowds they like that. 

“But we played away a few times and we have done well when we are away. I am sure Ben as well has been playing on the tour, he is doing well . . . Courtney (Lock) at the moment, he is in the US trying to get back on the tour.

“Benedict Badza, he is just getting ready for college, in terms of preparation, its four, five months away but the main thing is just to be playing tournaments, playing, competing…So the steps that are needed is play a lot of matches as much as possible and we go from there,” said Garanganga.

Courtney Lock, who has been part of the Davis Cup team for some time, missed the last event due to an injury.

Tennis Zimbabwe president Walter Jera has indicated they will do all they can to ensure the team is ready. Winning nations from the World Group I Play-offs will compete in World Group I ties in September 2024, alongside the 12 losing nations from the 2024 Qualifiers, due to also take place in February. Losing nations from the World Group I Play-offs and winning nations from the World Group II Play-offs will compete in World Group II ties in September 2024. 

Losing nations from World Group II Play-offs will compete in Regional Group III events later in 2024. 

Zimbabwe will be hoping for a win to advance to the World Group II ties scheduled for September, 2024.