Zimbabwe’s hopes for seeing a medal in tennis come home from the 2008 Olympics may have been dashed - reports say doubles star Cara Black has added her name to the list of Zimbabwean athletes acquiring citizenship in another country.
Some observers believe the fact that Black’s doubles partner, Liezel Huber, is South African, contributed to Black's decision to shift loyalties to Pretoria. Her mother, Velia Black, was born in South Africa and is said to have supported the decision, additionally citing the paucity of professional players in Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwean tennis fans naturally are unhappy with the reported decision, and say the move will further dim the national sports scene, under heavy economic pressure.
Human rights lawyer Arnold Tsunga told reporter Marvellous Mhlanga-Nyahuye of VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe that more Zimbabwean athletes are likely to seek greener pastures abroad as Zimbabwe’s downward spiral accelerates.
More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...