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Jeffrey Murimbechi Sports Correspondent
TENNIS Zimbabwe administrator Cliff Nhokwara says it’s important that the Under-18 team players gain exposure at the International Tennis Federation Under-18 African Junior Championships in Casablanca, Morocco.The event, which stretches from February 17 to 19, features top ranking African and international players, most of whom are ranked well above the Zimbabwean players and Nhokwara says the experience they will gain is very important.

“The aim is to win as many matches as possible and not to put ourselves under too much pressure because the main thing is getting our players to get this kind of exposure.

“Reaching the quarter or semi-finals will be a welcome bonus but we would like our players to make sure that they make the most of their game time.

“They will compete against players who are ranked in the world top 100 and a lot of players in the African top 50 that any game that a player wins against a higher-ranked opponent is a welcome boost,” said Nhokwara.

Courtney Lock is likely to be the main player for the locals in the boys’ section, while high hopes are pinned on Nicole Dzenga to do well in the girls’ category.

“Dzenga won a warm-up tournament recently in Tanzania and I hope that she builds up on that momentum. She thrives on challenges and I am pretty sure she will do well in the tournament,” said Nhokwara.

Zimbabwe Team

Boys: Courtney Lock, Alwyn Mushonga, Luca Picci, Tadiwa Chinamo and Ngoni Makambwa.
Girls: Zaha Finnigan, Nicole Dzenga, Latifah Yasini and Keren Muswere