Davis Cup starts as 15 countries vie for promotion
Kabelo Boranabi | Wednesday July 17, 2024 16:14
The hosts, Botswana will face Congo, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Gabon, Lesotho, Libya, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda for the two spots in 2025 Davis Cup Africa Group IV. It is a proud moment for the Blue, Black, and White nation as it hosts tennis' premier tournament for the first time since 2006. A total of 155 countries compete in the David Cup making it one of tennis' premier events. Team Botswana is aware that a good display on home-ground would ensure the country moves four stages near the Davis Cup Finals that only feature 16 spots.
The Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) president, Colonel Botsang Tshenyego, said hosting the competition would bring good results on and off the field as it is in line with the country's Vision 2036 that recognises sport as a contributor and enabler of socio-economic development. Tshenyego was speaking at the official opening of the event held at the National Tennis Centre as he further said hosting the event would capacitate athletes and officials as well as elevate local tennis to international standards. 'I am confident that it will further upgrade the tennis standards in our country. It is hoped that the event will also promote the professionalism of tennis contributing towards economic diversification through sports tourism. The BTA has been working and growing tennis for the past 40 years in the country with the partnership sport governing bodies of Botswana and the private sector and of course with the technical support of the Confederation of African Tennis,' said Tshenyego. Team Botswana has been pitted against Libya, Lesotho, and Madagascar, and would look to use the home-ground advantage to reach the knockout round. The team is made up of Denzel Seetso, Mark Nawa, Batsumi Marobela, Tsholofelo Tsiang, Esi Molefe, Seabo Saleshando, and Petrus Molefe who is the team captain. The tournament ends on Saturday.