Tennis Kenya unveiled a formidable youthful squad for this year’s Davis Cup Africa Group IV championships that will be staged in Nairobi Kenya.
Experienced Ismael Changawa will lead Kael Shah, Raymond Riziki, Liberty Baraka, Jeff Okuku, Aum Chandarana and Zayyan Virani in the June 17-20 tournament at the Nairobi Club will see the national team seek to secure promotion to Africa Group III on home soil where eight countries have confirmed their participation.
Hosts Kenya will be facing off with Algeria, Angola, Botswana, DR Congo, Ghana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe in the chase for promotion to Africa Group III in 2027.
Tennis Kenya President Wanjiru Mbugua-Karani described the squad as the federation’s next generation of players, tasked with carrying forward Kenya’s rich Davis Cup heritage.
Head coach Rosemary Owino said the tournament presents a unique opportunity for the younger members of the squad, several of whom will be experiencing Davis Cup competition for the first time.
The coach also highlighted the importance of blending youth with experience, pointing to Changawa’s role as a mentor to the younger players.
Changawa expressed confidence in the team’s readiness ahead of the tournament, citing intensive preparations and a positive atmosphere within the camp.
National Olympic Committee of Kenya Vice President Colonel (Rtd.) Nahashon Randiek applauded Tennis Kenya for investing in youth and expressed confidence that the team can achieve promotion.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports also reaffirmed its support for the team through representative Ngati Nyambura, who urged the players to represent the country with pride.
With home support expected to play a key role, Tennis Kenya has called on fans to turn up in large numbers as the national team seeks to secure one of the two available promotion slots and continue its journey back up the Davis Cup ranks.