South African Fed Cup captain, Rene Plant, shared her targets for her team ahead of their Fed Cup tie at a recent media open day and training session held at St Mary’s School, Waverley.
The team will battle it out in the eight-nation event to solidify their position in Group II at the National Tennis Centre hard court surfaces in Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg, from 6 to 9 February.
“It is going to be our main challenge to build on the momentum from last year and our objective is to stay in Group II,” Plant said.
South Africa gained promotion into the Euro/Africa Zone Group II of the Fed Cup competition last year, after beating Malta 2–1 in their play-off final on clay in Montenegro in April.
“We are trying to create a network of enthusiasm and encouragement on and off the court.
“Having won four matches last year we are hoping to create that same winning atmosphere in Luxembourg within the team.
“Tennis South Africa has offered fantastic support to both myself and the players. We are arriving five days before our first match and this will enable us to prepare and bond as a team.
“I am confident in the depth of our team and in our doubles combination. We have got a few different options that we can try out.”
The team comprises Chanel Simmonds, Imaan Hassim, Sinazo Solani, Theresa van Zyl, Madrie le Roux and 19-year-old Witbank-born prodigy, Zani Barnard.
Simmonds, a 26-year-old crafty left-hander who reached her best ranking of number 158 in the world in 2013, is the most experienced team member alongside the 23-year-old Van Zyl. Hassim, Barnard and Solani are the youngest in the team.
“The team is very excited to have Rene represent us as captain,” Simmonds said.
“She manages the team well, having organised Fed Cup camps to ensure the juniors are integrated into our system which has been a big plus and her knowledge and experience will be invaluable for us.
“It will be a dream come true to secure a second-place finish in our group and fight for promotion, Rene will be a massive benefit in helping us achieve that dream.”
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