Garanganga, who is based in the US, is set to be in the country for the Annual National Sports Awards to be held on December 15 but the Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC) is still to finalise his travelling plans.
The tournament that will see winners pocketing US$1 500 is scheduled to run from December 13 to 17 at Harare Sports Club. Garanganga, a gold medal winner at the 2011 Maputo All Africa Games had hoped to take advantage of his presence in the country for the Ansa Awards ceremony to take part in the tournament.
Garanganga is a nominee for the Sportsperson of the Year Award. TZ administrator Cliff Nhokwara said the player’s chances of playing at the tournament hinged on the travel tickets that he is going get from SRC.
“We would have wanted him to take part in the tournament, but he told us that he is not sure of his travelling plans yet. He might play if he comes early,” he said.
However, Nhokwara said defending champions Benjy Lorke and Valeria Bhunu have all confirmed their participation in the tournament. “A number of our top players have agreed to participate in the tournament. We also expect top players from South Africa in addition to the pool that we have. Veterans such as Genius Chidzikwe and Martin Dzuwa have also confirmed their participation,” he said.
Chidzikwe said he is looking forward to the tournament and hopes to give the youngsters a run for their money. “I am excited at the prospects of taking part in the event. There will be a number of experienced players such as Mark Fynn and there are chances that Garanganga might come.”“I do not expect much from myself, but will take the tournament seriously,” he said.
