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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Davis Cup team captain Gwinyai Tongoona has described their tie against Romania as a tough assignment following the draw conducted yesterday at the International Tennis Federation offices in London.

Zimbabwe will travel to Romania either in April or September for the tie, depending on the dates the host team would have opted for.

Romania will announce in five days whether the match will take place on April 5 to 6 or September 13 to 14.

“It’s not an easy draw for us and also playing away from home. It would have been nice to have a home tie,’’ said Tongoona.

‘’But, obviously, playing away in Romania in their conditions, it’s going to be quite tough for us. But, it’s Davis Cup, there are different types of pressure there.’’

Last year’s team was made up of Takanyi Garanganga, Benjamin Lock, Mehluli Sibanda and Mark Chigaazira.

Zimbabwe retained their spot in Europe/Africa Group II after beating Turkey 3-1 at Harare Sports Club in the first of the two ties they played last year.

The victory over Turkey ensured they were guaranteed of surviving relegation as they went on to lose 1-4 to Poland in Sopot in the second tie.

Interestingly, Romania, ranked 42, lost to Poland last year in the third round to remain in Group II.

Zimbabwe are ranked 61.

Going into yesterday’s draw, Romania were the highest-ranked nation from the 12 countries in Europe/Africa Group II.

‘’Once the match is on and everyone is playing well, then there is pressure and someone can crack a little bit and there is always a chance  but obviously on paper they are the favourites.

“The guys — Benji and Takanyi are on tour playing. Courtney (Lock) is on tour playing, even Mehluli I think is on tour. That’s how you get ready for that kind of match.