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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
TENNIS Zimbabwe manager Cliff Nhokwara says it’s down to business for the Europe/Africa Group II tie against Romania after the European country decided to have the encounter staged in April. The host nations had to decide whether to have the ties in April or September and had five days from the day of the draw to make a decision.

Nhokwara said they were now in the process of confirming the availability of the players to make up the team.

The team will be made up of five members, including a junior, as part of the national association’s development programme.

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

Courtney Lock, who usually partners his brother Benjamin in the doubles, could not make it for last year’s ties due to college commitments.

“We are in the process of confirming the availability for players. In a week’s time we would know who is available.

‘’Obviously, we have a short-list, a pool of about seven players, we will zero it down to five, those that have confirmed availability.

“The fifth will be a junior, one of the top juniors,” said Nhokwara.

The two countries met in 2000, in the World Group first round, in Harare and Romania won the tie 3-2.

“Romania are one of the top tennis playing nations. They have a player ranked in the top 60, so that makes them favourites to beat us.

“However, we have to play this tie, if they are favourites it doesn’t necessarily mean they are going to win.

‘’As much as they are favourites, they still have to beat us. We have to go there and contest,” said Nhokwara.

Speaking after the draw last week, Davis Cup captain Gwinyai Tongoona said it was going to be a tough assignment.