Hilma Nalupe
After six days of intense competition, the Billie Jean King Cup Africa Group III tournament at the Central Tennis Club ended on a high note for Morocco.
They clinched a 2-1 victory over Kenya in Saturday’s decisive tie to claim first place.
The result sees them earn promotion to the Europe/Africa Group II stage next year.
The win capped off an impressive week for Morocco, who showed consistency, composure and skill under pressure. Kenya, who fought hard throughout the tournament, narrowly missed out on promotion but left Windhoek with their heads held high.
In the Billie Jean King Cup format, only the top team earns promotion, while the bottom side drops to Group IV.
The remaining nations will return to Group III next year in search of a promotion spot.
For Namibia, an eighth-place finish means another year in Group III, but with clear signs of progress.
Team captain Lesedi Jacobs said she is proud of her players’ efforts.
She noted that they performed well compared to the previous year.
She urged them to continue working and training throughout the year to produce better results.
The national squad, which included 16-year-old Joanivia Bezuidenhout, gained both experience and motivation to build for the future.
Earlier in the week, Bezuidenhout said she was “excited to play and show other kids that you can achieve anything when you put your mind to it, regardless of age”.
Hosting the event for the first time was also a milestone for the Namibia Tennis Association.
President Samson Kaulinge had earlier described the tournament as a symbol of “the growth of tennis in Namibia and an opportunity for local players to compete in high-calibre professional tennis”.
As the dust settles in Windhoek, the week’s competition leaves behind more than just rankings.
It offers valuable lessons, cherished memories and renewed ambition for when the Billie Jean King Cup returns next year.