Botswana eyes Davis Cup promotion
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday June 23, 2026 08:41
Botswana joined the hosts Kenya, Angola, Algeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe for the competition that ran from Wednesday to Saturday. The teams were split into two groups with Botswana in the same group as Kenya, Algeria and Ghana.
Botswana started the competition strongly on Wednesday last week, coming from behind to beat Ghana 2-1. But Botswana fell 2-1, 3-0 to Kenya and Algeria respectively, meaning they had to take part in the relegation play-offs.
Ntungamili Raguin and Batsomi Marobela secured the decisive 2-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo, which secured Botswana's status in Group IV.
Botswana was promoted to Group IV last year and will now look to progress to Group III when the tournament is held next year.
'I am very pleased that the team managed to retain its Group IV status. The competition was very challenging with several countries showing significant improvement. The players demonstrated great commitment, professionalism and fighting spirit throughout the week,' team coach, Phenyo Motang said.
'While we wouild have liked to finish higher, retaining our position gives us a solid platform to continue building and developing the team,' Matong added. Next year, Botswana is likely to be boosted by the return of its long time top player, Denzel Seetso, who missed this year's edition as he was recovering from an injury.
Seetso told SportMonitor that he is making progress from an injury that has sidelined him for long periods.
'I just got cleared to start running and some light tennis. I am supposed to be fully cleared to return to competition in September,' he said from his United States of America base.
Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) president, Oaitse Thipe said next year the team will push for promotion, with Seetso's return imminent.
'These guys have do so well in remaining in the group. Next year Denzel Seetso will be healthy and we will be fighting to go to Group III,' Thipe said.
Giving Botswana hope is the promotion of Ghana to Group III, a team that was promoted together with Algeria.
Botswana beat Ghana in the first game and this, coupled with the return of Seetso, should give the team renewed hope of having a shot at progressing to Group III next year.
Mozambique and DRC were relegated to Group V, while favourites Zimbabwe and Angola lost in the promotion play-offs.