Zimbabwe’s Under-12 tennis teams delivered a strong performance at the World Tennis/CAT Southern African Junior Teams Competition in Mozambique, with the girls winning silver and qualifying for the continental finals.
Held from August 10 to 16, the tournament brought together junior players from 10 countries, giving the youngsters valuable international exposure and experience against some of the region’s best emerging talent.
The Zimbabwean teams were coached by Sharon Ndlovu. The girls’ team comprised Alexander Matani, Danica Tverdon and Mia Kaliofasi, while the boys’ team featured Tawonashe Danda, Liam Kabasa and Anopaishe Danda.
Although rain disrupted the opening two days, action resumed once weather conditions improved.
The girls enjoyed an impressive run to the final, defeating Mauritius 3-0 in the quarter-finals before edging Angola 2-1 in the semi-finals.
They met regional powerhouses South Africa in the final and narrowly lost 2-1 to settle for silver.
The runners-up finish secured their qualification for the continental finals.
The boys also produced a commendable display. They swept aside Eswatini 3-0 in the quarter-finals but were beaten 3-0 by South Africa in the semi-finals.
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They recovered in the third-place playoff, defeating Namibia 3-0 to claim the bronze medal.
The performances by both teams highlight the growing depth and potential of Zimbabwean junior tennis.
The girls will now turn their attention to the continental finals, where they will seek to build on their impressive regional campaign and challenge for continental honours.
