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Two South African companies have rescued this year’s edition of the Bulawayo Junior Tennis Open, which kicks off today.
The tournament, a major highlight of the city’s sporting season, is being co-sponsored by the Bulawayo Junior Tennis Board, Bertis Transport and Samara International. However, organisers of the event to be held at the Bulawayo Athletic Club remained tight-lipped on the total value of the sponsorship. But Adam Joelson, one of the tournament officials, said the two South African companies had already paid rentals for the venue. The tournament is open to girls and boys from Under-10 to Under 18, who will compete in the singles, doubles and mixed doubles categories. Between 150 and 200 players are expected to take part with four South African players having confirmed their presence, while the Botswana Tennis Association had not made a firm commitment early last week. "Our preparations for the tournament went well and we managed to get the two sponsors who have already paid the rentals for the venue," Joelson said. "They will also be sponsoring the prizes. "The tournament is growing in popularity nationally and regionally as we are expecting a number of players from outside Bulawayo." Zimbabwe is quickly losing its status as one the top tennis-playing nations following the retirement of the Black brothers, Wayne and Byron. Lack of proper junior development structures has been cited as one of the reasons behind the decline. One of South Africa’s under-18 players, Kiall Lavandelle and Zimbabwe ’s Tinashe Chikanda — who is based in the United States — are some of the top players expected at the tournament. Zimbabwe’s promising under-18 players Malcolm Mutungamiri and Vusa Nyoni are also billed to take part. In the girls’ category, players such as Glory Zhou and Lerato Ndlovu should light up the tournament. By Leslie Nunu
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