Dominant SA team promoted to Group II in BJK Cup

The WIPHOLD SA Billie Jean King Cup team went unbeaten in the playoffs at the weekend, as the young national squad secured promotion with a dominant display at the six-day Group III Africa tournament played in Nairobi, Kenya which concluded on Saturday.

After finishing top of their first-round group, South Africa progressed to the promotion playoffs where they faced Nigeria and host nation Kenya.

In their first playoff tie at the clay court tournament, the SA team secured a 3-0 victory over Nigeria on Friday.

Teenager Gabriella Broadfoot, who made her debut in the international team competition this week, did well to beat Barakat Quadre 6-3 6-3.

In the second singles match against Nigeria, 19-year-old Isabella Kruger defeated Adesuwa Osabuohien 6-3 6-1. Kruger and Broadfoot then combined to beat Divine Nweke and Osabuohien 6-3 6-4 in the doubles rubber.

In their second playoff tie against Kenya, the national squad again coasted to a convincing 3-0 victory to secure the one promotion spot available at the 12-team tournament.

Broadfoot defeated Cynthia Wanjala 6-3 6-1 and Kruger beat Angella Okutoyi 7-6(3) 6-3, before Broadfoot paired up with Heike Janse van Vuuren (also 19) as they earned a 6-1 3-6 [10-4] victory against Wanjala and Okutoyi in the doubles fixture.

"I'm so proud of this team. We started this week with a goal to be promoted to Group II," said SA captain Roxanne Clarke.

"Today we played our toughest match against Kenya... but the girls showed up and really brought the fire, and they fought to the end, and we ended up winning all three matches.

"I'm so grateful to Tennis South Africa for the support; to Wiphold, our sponsor; and to my players for giving everything they could this week."

After winning the playoffs in Nairobi, the SA team were promoted to the Europe/Africa Zone Group II division of the Billie Jean King Cup for the 2025 season.

Mauritius, who finished last in the relegation playoffs, will compete in the Africa Zone Group IV competition in 2025, while the other 10 teams competing in Nairobi retained their places in Group III.