Namibia’s top young tennis players are set to showcase their skills at one of the sport’s most iconic tournaments – the Billie Jean King Cup (BJK) by Gainbridge Africa Group III event. 

This prestigious competition offers a massive opportunity for junior prospects on home soil.

The two-stage, round-robin competition will take place from 4-9 August in Windhoek at the Central Tennis Club in Olympia. 

The tournament begins with three pools of four (Pools A, B and C) competing in a round-robin format from 4-6 August. 

Following this, the winners of each pool will play each other in a second round-robin from 7-9 August to determine the final rankings. 

The top team will earn promotion to the Europe/Africa Group II in 2026.

Nations finishing at the bottom of their respective pools will also play each other in a second round-robin, with the last-placed team being relegated to Africa Group IV next year. 

Twelve countries will fly into Namibia to participate, including Algeria, host nation Namibia, Burundi, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

The Namibia Tennis Association (NTA) yesterday announced its five-member team for the tournament, featuring five talented teenagers: Lesdi Jacobs, Kerstin Gressmann, Lisa Yssel, Mari Van Schalkwyk and Joanivia Bezuidenhout.

This is not the first time Namibia has hosted such a prestigious event. 

The country successfully staged the men’s version of this tournament earlier this year. 

Treasurer at the Namibia Training Authority Arinze Okafor said the iconic tournament presents a huge opportunity for players, coaches and the country at large.

“This came about last year when we were informed that we would stage one of their events, and we had done so earlier in the year. After staging the men’s version, we received a good review from the world governing body, the International Tennis Federation (ITF). We were so humbled to be given a chance to host the women’s version,” he said. 

The Billie Jean King Cup, formerly known as the Fed Cup, is the premier international team competition in women’s tennis, serving as the female equivalent of the Davis Cup in men’s tennis. 

Founded in 1963 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ITF, it was created as a platform for women to represent their countries in a prestigious global competition. 

Unlike individual tournaments, it features national teams, with players competing together for their country.

Okafor said this opportunity is significant for Namibia, as the country hopes to impress on home soil. 

“We have competed in this tournament before, mostly on the continent, so this won’t be our first time,” he stated. 

“I just think this time around we are likely to do well because we are playing at home with a packed venue of fans rallying behind the girls,” he said. 

– Additional reporting from billiejeankingcup.com

– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na

Photo: Heather Erdmann