Tennis Zimbabwe administrator Cliff Nhokwara says the 23-year-old Garangaga, who is based in the United States, will lead a four-member team that includes Benjamin Lock, Tinotenda Chanakira and Mark Fyn.
Ironically, Garanganga’s world ranking continues to slide. He was placed 292 in the world in May but is now 297 according to the latest rankings from the Association of Tennis Professionals.
Unlike last year when Zimbabwe was forced to use veteran captain Martin Dzuwa as one of the doubles players, Nhokwara says Dzuwa will not be playing this year and will assume his role as a non-playing captain and coach.
Since making that memorable show in 1998 when they reached the quarter finals Zimbabwe has failed to make an impression in the competition and for the past five years has struggled to qualify for the Africa Zone Group Two.
Many players, including the then highly-rated Genius Chidzikwe, have come along the way and failed. Nhokwara thinks Zimbabwe has a better chance this year in which they will battle against the likes of Algeria, Benin, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, and Rwanda for that vital promotion spot. On paper, Zimbabwe have an edge over the rest of the pack.
Nhokwara says they are hoping that between now and the qualifiers on September 8, the Zimbabwean players will get involved in as many international competitions as possible to keep them in shape for the rigours and pressure ahead.
Post published in: Sport