By Anyway Mukumanhenga
MAPUTO – Zimbabwe’s Under-12 tennis teams returned from Maputo, Mozambique with silver and bronze medals after an impressive showing at the World Tennis/CAT Southern African Junior Teams Competition held from 10 to 16 August 2026.
The tournament brought together 10 countries, including South Africa, Madagascar, Mozambique, Mauritius, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Lesotho, Eswatini and Zimbabwe.
Under coach Sharon Ndlovu, the girls’ team of Alexander Ruwisi, Danica Tverdon and Mia Kaliofasi reached the final after an unbeaten run.
Zimbabwe swept Mauritius 3-0 in the quarter-finals before edging Angola 2-1 in the semi-finals. They narrowly lost 2-1 to South Africa in the final to settle for silver.
The runners-up finish also secured the girls a place at the Continental Finals, giving them an opportunity to compete for continental honours.
The boys’ team of Tawonashe Danda, Liam Kabasa and Anopaishe Danda also impressed, defeating Eswatini 3-0 in the quarter-finals.
Their run ended in the semi-finals with a 3-0 defeat to South Africa, but they bounced back strongly to beat Namibia 3-0 in the third-place playoff and claim bronze.
Heavy rain disrupted the opening two days of competition, forcing organisers to delay several matches. Play resumed once conditions improved, with all fixtures eventually completed.
The medal haul highlights the growing strength of Zimbabwean junior tennis, with the girls now setting their sights on the Continental Finals.
