Tennis Star Tendai Chihowa Propels Prairie State College to NJCAA National Finals

United States-based Zimbabwean tennis ace Tendai Chihowa continues to make waves on the American college circuit after playing a pivotal role in helping Prairie State College dominate Region Four in Illinois and qualify for the prestigious National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) national championships.

Born in Mutare, Chihowa showcased his growing talent and determination throughout the regional tournament, where Prairie State College emerged as the top team, winning every match en route to securing their spot at the national finals. The regional competition, featuring top schools from the Illinois conference, served as the official qualifying round for the NJCAA national championships.

Chihowa, who is the son of Manica Diamonds chairman Masimba Chihowa, has quickly made a name for himself as one of the rising stars in junior college tennis. His athleticism, resilience, and on-court intelligence have earned him praise from coaches and competitors alike.

At the national finals held in South Carolina, Chihowa delivered an impressive performance in the opening round. Despite dropping the first set 2-6, he bounced back strongly to claim the next two sets 6-2 and 6-4, securing a thrilling three-set victory. However, his journey came to an end in the second round, where he fell 2-6, 1-6 to a higher-seeded opponent.

While the second-round exit may have ended his championship run, Chihowa’s overall performance has drawn attention from scouts and tennis enthusiasts tracking future collegiate stars. The final NJCAA rankings are expected to be released within the next month, and expectations are high that both Chihowa and Prairie State College will earn commendable placements.

Chihowa’s success in the United States reflects the growing presence of Zimbabwean athletes on international platforms and underscores the potential for young sportsmen from the country to excel with the right support and opportunities. As he continues to develop his game, Chihowa is not only flying the flag for Zimbabwean tennis but also inspiring a new generation of players back home.

With the NJCAA season now concluded, all eyes will be on Chihowa’s next move—whether it’s transferring to a four-year university program or continuing to sharpen his game on the competitive U.S. circuit. One thing is clear: Tendai Chihowa is a name to watch in the world of college tennis.