Some of South Africa's most talented young tennis players will be given an opportunity to represent the county in the Billie Jean King Cup (BJK) competition when they turn out in the Europe/Africa Group II tournament in Larnaca, Cyprus from next week Monday to Saturday.
The five-member SA team announced by national captain Roxanne Clarke features five teenagers, including four individuals who will make their debuts in the international women's team competition.
Marilouise van Zyl (18 years old) is the only player in the squad who has earned a cap in the BJK Cup, but she will be well backed by her sister Jahnie van Zyl (16), as well as Donna le Roux (17), Abigayel Vosloo (17) and Kaitlyn Ramduth (18).
While some of the nation's top-ranked players are unavailable, either due to injuries or commitments on the US collegiate circuit, Clarke said she was pleased to be able to give some younger prospects a chance to shine in national colours.
"This is a great opportunity for younger players to show their stuff and represent their country, so it's very exciting for them," Clarke said.
"Our players are young, but they're in form, they're ready and they're hungry, and I know this event is going to be good.
"Our goal will be to try and stay in this group (after being promoted last year) because we've been in this group before, and we know there will be tough competition, and we have to bring our best."
The BJK Cup Europe/Africa Group II tournament will feature 11 countries - South Africa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Egypt, Estonia, Georgia, Israel, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Norway and hosts Cyprus - and the competition will be held on outdoor hardcourts.
The top two teams will be promoted to Europe/Africa Group II, and the bottom two teams will be relegated either to Africa Group III or Europe Group III.