By Anyway Mukumanhenga
MOZAMBIQUE – Zimbabwe’s Under-12 boys and girls tennis teams achieved remarkable success, proudly returning home with medals after a stellar performance at the World Tennis/CAT Southern African Junior Teams Competition in Maputo, Mozambique, from 10 to 16 August 2026.
The tournament featured 10 nations: Madagascar, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique, and Mauritius, and provided a platform for the region’s top junior talent to gain international experience.
Led by coach Sharon Ndlovu, the Zimbabwean girls’ team—comprising Alexander Ruwisi, Danica Tverdon, and Mia Kaliofasi—produced a strong run to the final. They opened with a dominant 3-0 win over Mauritius in the quarter-finals before edging out Angola 2-1 in the semi-finals.
In the final, Zimbabwe narrowly lost 2-1 to South Africa, securing the silver medal. The second-place finish also earned the team qualification for the Continental Finals, marking a major milestone for junior tennis in the country.
The boys’ team—Tawonashe Danda, Liam Kabasa, and Anopaishe Danda—also under Ndlovu, started with a 3-0 quarter-final victory over Eswatini. Their campaign was halted in the semi-finals after a 3-0 loss to South Africa. However, the team recovered to claim bronze with a commanding 3-0 win over Namibia in the third-place playoff, finishing third overall.
The opening two days of competition were disrupted by heavy rain in Maputo, forcing delays to the schedule. Once conditions improved, play resumed, and all fixtures were completed as planned.
The results underscore the growing depth and competitiveness of junior tennis in Zimbabwe. With the girls’ team now turning its focus to the Continental Finals, expectations are high that they will build on their regional performance and compete for continental honours.
