Lovemore Zigara in Gweru
FORMER Davis Cup player Martin Lock is the new Tennis Zimbabwe (TZ) president, taking over from Regis Bhunu, who did not seek re-election at a special meeting convened in Harare.
Members of the new board include Biggie Magarira as vice-president, Brian Chirimumimba, Heyani Moyo Vandudzai Matukutire and Sandy Yalias. Lock, who served as Bhunu’s deputy, told Chronicle Sport his mission was to return Zimbabwe to the Davis Cup Euro-Africa Group 2 by 2018.
“It is a huge honour and privilege for me to be elected Tennis Zimbabwe president and henceforth my aim is to grow the sport.
“I want to ensure that we regain our (Davis Cup) Euro Africa Group 2 by 2018 and we will achieve this through our plan where we intend to start by returning to the (Davis Cup) Africa Zone next year,” said Lock.
The 57-year-old, who is father to Davis Cup player Benjamin, said he also wants to see the strengthening of relationships between TZ and sponsors for the development of the game.
As part of efforts to develop the game, Lock said there would be a lot of local and regional tennis tournaments to give exposure to and nurture up-and-coming talent.
“We want to have as many tournaments as possible in the coming year so that we can nurture our talent. We want to start by spreading such tournaments in the provinces and hold regional tournaments as well to expose our young tennis players.
“We also want to strengthen our relationship with the International Tennis Federation so that they second their coaches to impart skills to our local coaches.”
Lock played tennis at America’s Morehead State University on a scholarship from 1981-85 before being called up to the Zimbabwe Davis Cup team in 1987.