Nam humbled by Zim
The Davis Cup team that put on a brave effort: Back (Ben-Piet O’Callaghan, Johan Theron, Hermann Kuschke) Front (Henco Serdyn, and Tuki Jacobs)
The Namibian team made up of Henco Serdyn, Tuki Jacobs, Hermann Kuschke, and Ben-Piet O’Callaghan, and team coach and manager Johan Theron saw off challengers from Benin, Algeria, Botswana, and Mozambique to progress to the semi-finals where the experience of the Zimbabwean team proved too difficult for the Namibians to handle.
Namibia started well when Henco Serdyn won his first match 6-3 6-3 against Shingirai Muzondiwa of Botswana, while Tuki Jacobs proved too strong a competitor against Botswana’s first seeded Phenyo Matong. Despite losing his first set 7-5, Jacobs managed to secure Namibia’s second win of the tournament and with a serving smash and strong forehead, beat Matong 6-2, and 6-0, paving the way for doubles team Serdyn, and O’Callaghan to walk over Botswana duo Lame Botshoma, and Thabiso Mabaka 6-2, 6-1.
Said Serdyn, “This is a fantastic start for Namibia. The vibe under the Namibian team is very energetic. We played well today. Although Botswana is not one of the toughest nations this year. Playing a easier tie at the beginning of the tournament is usually a great confidence booster. Every player have some kind of nerves when he is on the court and being in the position of a 3-0 victory is great. We are relaxing next to the pool now, but tomorrow we are back in business.” Namibia continued its good streak and beat Benin before losing out to Algeria. The loss against Algeria put Namibia second behind Algeria in Group B, inevitability putting them up against Zimbabwe who led Group A. Namibian duo Kuschke, and Serdyn lost their doubles match against Algeria’s Hichem Tasri, and Amine Kerroum, losing 6-0 7-6 6-4.
In their final match, Serdyn, and Jacobs had the task of seeing off Zimbabwean players Benjamin Lock, and Takanyi Garanganga.. Serdyn lost to Lock 6-0 6-1 while Jacobs lost to Garanganga 6-2 6-2.
