WASHINGTON DC —
The World Junior Championship Tennis Qualifiers began in Tunisia on Tuesday with Zimbabwe represented by three young players as the continent seeks to pick players to represent Africa at the World Junior Championships in the Czech Republic in August.
Also competing in the tournament that runs until June 15 are players from South Africa, Madagascar, Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco.
Tennis Zimbabwe manager Cliff Nhokwara is confident his team will excel and book a place to represent the continent at the world junior championships.
"Upcoming youngsters Kimberley Bunhu, Karen Machisa and Munashe Kawome are led by coach Lyncert Chitiyo are representing Zimbabwe at the tournament. It is important for the girl child to be involved in sport particularly tennis as it develops the character and keeps them away from trouble.
"I am hopeful that the junior team in Tunisia will excel," said Nhokwara.
Before participating in the tournament, the team was at another tourney in Kenya where they performed well and were able to qualify for the World Junior Championship Tennis Qualifiers.
Zimbabwe used to be highly ranked in tennis soon after independence but has slipped in rankings due to lack of funding and participation at international tournaments.
The Black brothers, Byron and Wayne, and sister, Cara, used to dazzle opponents in the field of tennis. The two brothers have retired and Cara is still playing competitive tennis, especially doubles. She is currently based overseas though still representing Zimbabwe.
Also competing in the tournament that runs until June 15 are players from South Africa, Madagascar, Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco.
Tennis Zimbabwe manager Cliff Nhokwara is confident his team will excel and book a place to represent the continent at the world junior championships.
"Upcoming youngsters Kimberley Bunhu, Karen Machisa and Munashe Kawome are led by coach Lyncert Chitiyo are representing Zimbabwe at the tournament. It is important for the girl child to be involved in sport particularly tennis as it develops the character and keeps them away from trouble.
"I am hopeful that the junior team in Tunisia will excel," said Nhokwara.
Before participating in the tournament, the team was at another tourney in Kenya where they performed well and were able to qualify for the World Junior Championship Tennis Qualifiers.
Zimbabwe used to be highly ranked in tennis soon after independence but has slipped in rankings due to lack of funding and participation at international tournaments.
The Black brothers, Byron and Wayne, and sister, Cara, used to dazzle opponents in the field of tennis. The two brothers have retired and Cara is still playing competitive tennis, especially doubles. She is currently based overseas though still representing Zimbabwe.
