Namibia secure Davis Cup World Group II promotion in Burundi

Namibia won four of their five matches in Africa Group III to earn promotion to Davis Cup World Group II in Bujumbura, Burundi. The tournament was held from 11 to 15 August.

The Namibian team finished among the three sides that gained promotion. Senegal and hosts Burundi also moved up after the competition, giving Namibia another opportunity to compete at the higher level of the Davis Cup structure.

Namibia began with a 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast and followed it with another 2-1 success against Senegal. A third 2-1 win, this time over Togo, kept the campaign on course before a 3-0 result against Benin secured the desired outcome.

Their only setback came against Burundi, who defeated Namibia 2-1. The loss did not prevent promotion, as Namibia had already built enough results across the tournament to finish in the qualifying group.

Captain Gert Dippenaar led a squad that also included brothers Connor and Codie van Schalkwyk, Steyn Dippenaar and Daniel Jauss. Dippenaar identified Connor van Schalkwyk as the team’s leading performer after the youngster went unbeaten in singles and did not lose a set during the event.

Dippenaar also highlighted the squad’s response to pressure, particularly in the decisive match against Benin. He said the team’s objective was promotion and praised the players for staying composed during a demanding week.

The achievement represents Namibia’s third successive qualification for World Group II. The next stage will bring stronger opposition and a tougher test for a team that has continued to advance through the Davis Cup competition.