ZIMBABWE’s junior tennis players have been called for the International Tennis Federation (ITF) junior tournament scheduled for Egypt early next month. Tennis Zimbabwe is eager to maintain the country’s status as one of the top tennis playing nations in the world. The ITF team competitions cover three age groups — Under- 14, Under-16 and Under-18. All three competitions give young tennis players the opportunity to experience international competition and the unique atmosphere of playing in a team for their country. Every team must compete in tough regional qualifying competitions to make it through to the annual finals, except for the host nation teams who are granted an automatic place in the finals. The world junior tennis competition, the International Team Competition for players aged 14, was started by the ITF in 1991 with the final in 2009 being held in Prostejov, Czech Republic. The current champions are Spain for boys and USA girls. The ITF junior circuit has progressed in its 32-year history to the extent that from nine events in six countries in 1977 to 358 tournaments in 118 countries in 2009. Zimbabwe’s team comprising Nicole Dzenga, Tadiwa Chinamo, Karen Muswere, Ronzai Saurombe, Thabile Tshatedi, Valeria Bhunu and Taremedzwa Mariga with Richmore Murape and Mutare-based Freeman Nyamunokora as coaches is currently preparing for the Euro- African Group One tie against ten other countries. Tennis Zimbabwe’s administrator Cliff Nhokwara said the team was preparing for a tough tournament in Egypt, adding that the country’s best players had been called up for the tournament. Former Davis Cup team player Gwinyai Tongoona is the non-playing captain in a team that also comprises Mlandeli Ndhlela, who is competing on the ITF Futures circuit, Takanyi Garanganga in the US Open, Mbonisi Ndimande competing at the Junior Wimbledon and Benjamin Lock, in the European circuit. Meanwhile, an eight-member Zimbabwe junior tennis team is scheduled to leave for Egypt this Saturday for the tournament