Kenya unveils youthful squad for Davis Cup

She challenged the current crop to embrace the responsibility of playing for the nation while drawing inspiration from those who paved the way before them.

“For four days next week, Nairobi Club will become the centre of African tennis. The stakes will be very high because the top two nations are the only ones that will qualify to Group III,” she said.

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.

“It is a young team and I am looking forward to seeing them compete at home. There is no better opportunity than to get the experience of playing Davis Cup for your country at home,” said Owino.

She added that while the team lacks extensive Davis Cup experience, the players have gained valuable exposure through local and international tournaments and have shown encouraging signs during preparations.

The coach also highlighted the importance of blending youth with experience, pointing to Changawa’s role as a mentor to the younger players.

“He’s been a great role model and has had a really good Davis Cup career. This is a great opportunity for him to share his experiences with the youngsters and for them to learn from him,” she said.

Changawa expressed confidence in the team’s readiness ahead of the tournament, citing intensive preparations and a positive atmosphere within the camp.

“The preparation is really good. We’ve been working hard and staying focused. They put us in camps, so I think mentally we’re into this,” he said.

The veteran player also backed the younger members of the squad to rise to the occasion.

“We’ve got young blood in the house and I think they’re going to show us some good energy. It won’t be easy, but we’re ready and I have confidence in my team,” he added.

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.

“They are hungry for victory and we don’t see anything preventing them. If they are properly prepared and given the right atmosphere, they have the capacity,” said Randiek, while also calling on stakeholders to support the development of the sport.

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.

“You are going to fly our flag high. You are representing the nation and we are so proud of you,” she said.

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.