The nine-team tournament that will see two top teams being promoted to the Euro-Africa Zone Group Two next year, has been slated for the weekend commencing July 2.Chidzikwe replaces another former Davis Cup player Gwinyai Tongoona, who pulled out at the last minute last year.
Other players in the team are Takanyi Garanganga, Benjamin Lock, Tendai Tapfuma and Mark Fynn.
Tanyaradzwa Chinamo, who is the head of the selection committee, said they opted for Chidzikwe because of his Davis Cup experience.
“Genius has a lot of experience in this competition having been part of the team since 1996 until his retirement in 2007. We believe that his experience will help other players in Tunisia,” he said.
However, Chinamo revealed that the team’s participation hangs in the balance owing to lack funds.
“Right now we do not have money, but it’s our hope that sponsors will rescue us. We are looking at raising about US$15 000 for airfares as the players will be coming from different countries,” he said.
Chidzikwe said he was thrilled with the appointment and is looking forward to doing his best for his country.
“It is an honour to be appointed captain for your country. We have young players who are coming through and I hope to add on my experience to the team,” Chidzikwe said.
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“On preparations, I am happy that the players that have been picked are involved in some tournaments. I look forward to helping my country gain promotion into Group Two,” he said.
Last year the Zimbabwe trio of Garanganga, Fynn and Lock finished third tied with Algeria on third place behind Egypt and Madagascar, who were both promoted to Group Two.Algeria, Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria and the hosts Tunisia are the other countries that will battle it out with Zimbabwe in Tunisia.
