South Africa qualify for men’s and women’s World Group II

South Africa is through to the women’s World Group and men’s World Group II at the BNP Paribas World Team Cup in Turkey on the 25-31 May after a triumphant display at the BNP Paribas African Qualifying event.

Both of South Africa's men's and women's teams defeated Morocco to qualify on a final day of play that saw all teams in action at the qualifying event. In the women’s final South Africa defeated Morocco 2-0, in a repeat of the pool match which saw South Africa win 2-1.

Mariska Venter faced El Houary Azhour, in a much tighter match than in the pool stages. Azhour went 5-3 up in the first set but Venter found her form of the first few days to take four straight games and the set 7-5. This momentum continued into the second set, which Venter won 6-2 to put South Africa 1-0 up in the tie.

South Africa’s Kgothatso Montjane made an appearance on court for the first time in the week, and the current World No. 9 made quick work of it - defeating the unranked Khelifi Malika 6-0 6-0 to give South Africa the win.

Kenya women’s team bounced back from their narrow defeat to Morocco on Saturday to win the contest with Mauritius for third place. Kenya’s Jane Ndenga comfortably beat Brandy Perrins of Mauritius 6-0 6-1, with Ndenga’s consistency and ball placement moving the young Perrins around the court. Phoebe Masika continued Kenya’s good form, defeating Veronique Marisson 6-0 6-0.

The men’s final saw No. 1 seed South Africa overcome No. 2 seed Morocco. Leon Els beat Ayoub Ettali 6-0 6-2 to put South Africa within touching distance of a win. It was down to Lhaj Boukartacha to try to defeat Evans Maripa to keep Morocco in the tie. Boukartacha however could not match Maripa’s pace and consistency, and despite Boukartacha saving a match point, Maripa eventually led South Africa to victory 6-1 6-2.

Host nation Kenya were playing Ghana in the 3-4th place play off. Ghana’s Isaac Antwi Manu added to his singles victory earlier this week by defeating Timon Itaken 6-2 7-5. Itaken was making his debut in singles at the event, having only featured in the doubles previously.

Kenya’ Abdalla Rajab also made his first singles appearance in the competition and no nerves were apparent with a quick 6-1 6-2 victory over Ghana’s Francis Boateng to take the tie to a deciding doubles. Kenya quickly went into the lead, with the experience of Rajab Abdalla and Peter Baridi paying off as they took the doubles 6-2 6-3, finishing in third place.

Tanzania played Mauritius for 5th place. Bernard Namasapani recorded his first victory, triumphing 6-2 6-1 against Mario Arimond. Novatus Temba continued with the Tanzanian success defeating Annauth Sanjeev 6-2 6-0.