Botswana a step closer to Davis Cup promotion
Mqondisi Dube | Saturday July 20, 2024 09:07
Both teams were unbeaten going into the final Pool C of the Davis Cup Group V matches and the winner was guaranteed a place in today's semi-finals. The two teams that will progress to the final will be promoted to the Africa Group IV, with Botswana now firmly in the conversation. This morning, Botswana play Gabon while in the other semi final, Mozambique face Mauritius. There is not much that separate Botswana and Gabon in the International Tennis Federation (ITF) rankings. Gabon are at number 133 while Botswana is just a place below, both teams with 55points.
Gabon first participated in the Davis Cup in 2001 and their best finish was a fifth in the Europe/Africa Zone Group IV in 2003. Botswana was relegated to Africa Group V after last year's event in 2023. Their first participation in the Davis Cup was in 1996 but is yet to progress past Group III. However, the current class comprising Denzel Seetso, Mark Nawa, Tsholofelo Tsiang, Batsomi Marobela and Esi Molefe is looking to change that narrative. The bright start that has seen the team unbeaten against Libya, Lesotho and Madagascar has raised hopes that Botswana is destined for a return to Group IV.