27 Jul 2025

 Botswana has achieved a milestone by earning a promotion to Davis Cup Group IV after a thrilling 2-1 victory in the doubles match, which sealed the promotion during the promotional playoffs held in Gaborone on Saturday.

This exciting match was a contest worth watching, with the stands at Notwane Tennis Courts fully packed with enthusiastic spectators.  The final game featured the doubles teams; Botswana’s duo of Ntungamili Raguin and Mark Nawa faced off against Madagascar’s Valentin Rakotondrasoa and Nicolas Raharivony.

In a competition of three intense days, Botswana was promoted alongside Mozambique, from 15 African nations that battled fiercely through tough and competitive matches. The victory marked a pivotal step forward for Botswana’s tennis team. Promotion from Group V to Group IV in the Davis Cup signifies that Botswana demonstrated improved performance levels and resilience, earning a higher international ranking. Moving up to, Group IV, a tier above Group V, reflects an overall enhancement in the team’s skills, strategies, and success in matches against similarly ranked opponents.

In an interview, one of Botswana’s coaches, elated Dominic Modise said the advancement was a testament to the team’s dedication and growth on the court. He said that ascending to a higher stage made the victory even more meaningful and filled the nation with pride. Modise praised the players for outstanding performance, noting their excellent attitude, resilience, and unwavering focus throughout the competition. He further explained that Botswana was grouped with Ethiopia, Congo, and Libya. 

Despite the tough competition, Botswana topped their group, which led them to face Madagascar in the playoffs. Modise acknowledged that the match was not easy, but the team’s experience and determination ultimately led to their conquest. Looking ahead, he said that the team was now awaiting further instructions from the International Tennis Federation regarding the next steps in their journey.

In closing, chairperson of Botswana National Sports Commission, Marumo Morule, described the week as both remarkable and inspiring. He commended players from 15 participating nations for displaying an incredibly high standard of tennis, showcasing the sport’s growth across the continent.

While emphasising that the primary goal was to win, he said tournaments like these fostered unity, promoted diversity, and strengthened Africa’s collective identity beyond just victory. He said that such competitions built lasting friendships among nations and displayed resilience, effort, and determination.

Morule said even players who did not receive medals contributed to the broader growth of tennis in Africa, demonstrating that the spirit of sportsmanship and progress transcended individual awards. He congratulated Botswana team for their hard work and dedication, which paid off with a historic promotion. Morule praised the seamless hosting of the games, acknowledging the behind-the-scenes efforts and hard work that made the event successful. ENDS