Botswana all but seal Billy Jean King Cup promotion
Mqondisi Dube | Friday July 17, 2026 10:33
The national women's tennis team has been in commanding form throughout the tournament, producing consistent performances to remain unbeaten heading into the final two days of competition which Gaborone hosts. Pitted against Tunisia yesterday, Botswana roared back from a game down to win 2-1, a result which all but secures progress to Africa Group II.
Chelsea Chakanyuka lost a closely fought opening game 4-6, 6-7 to Sarra Atig but Ekua Youri restored parity with a 6-1, 6-0 demolition of Nour Sahnoun.
The two then teamed up in the doubles to secure a sometimes nervy 6-4, 7-5 win over Sahnoun and Lamiss Houass.
Eleven nations are taking part in the tournament, with Botswana topping Group A that included a tricky Zimbabwe and Cameroon.
On Monday, Botswana dismissed Cameroon 2-1 before an entertaining contest against Zimbabwe and in a similar score line victory for the hosts.
Group B had four nations, Tunisia, Algeria, Ghana, and Kenya. Tunisia topped the group whilst Nigeria were winners of Group C that contained Madagascar, Namibia and Burundi.
Botswana, Nigeria, and Tunisia, having topped their respective groups, moved to the first to third play-off spot.
Unless Botswana loses to Nigeria and Tunisia beat the West Africans, Botswana have secured promotion. The top two teams proceed to Africa Group II.
The Billy Jean Cup victories underline Botswana's growing competitiveness on the international stage, after the men's team did well to preserve its spot in the Davis Cup Africa Group III.
The encouraging performances also reflect the hard work of the players, coaches, and the Botswana Tennis Association in preparing the team for international competition.
Success at the Billie Jean King Cup would provide a significant boost to the sport locally and inspire more young girls to take up tennis.
With momentum firmly on their side, Botswana will be hoping to complete their impressive run by overcoming Tunisia and maintaining their perfect record in the tournament.