Kenya Davis Cup captain Francis Rogoi believes there is room for improvement for his charges despite relegation to Group 4
The young team of Albert Njogu, Kael and Keean Shah, as well as Derrick Ominde, were relegated after losing all four matches in the Group 3 championship held in Algiers, Algeria over the weekend.
The former player expects the young team to bounce back next year.
"It was a steep learning experience. Playing a team like Morocco, who were relegated from World Group 2 was not easy but we take our lessons and look ahead to next year. We will figure out what we need to improve to gain promotion to Group 3,” said Njogu.
Rogoi was hopeful that Njogu will be able to play a few tournaments for the next 12 months.
"I hope Tennis Kenya can step in and ensure Njogu gets competitive tournaments under his belt. In contrast, Keean and Kael are based in Europe and will, therefore, be playing some tournaments which will aid their preparations,” added Rogoi.
Team Kenya lost 3-0 to Morocco with Njogu losing 6-1, 6-2 to Yasmine Dlimi in the opening singles match.
Kael succumbed 6-0, 6-2 to Adam Moundir in the second singles rubber with the doubles duo of Derrick Ominde and Keean losing 6-2, 6-2 to Younes Lalami and Moundir.
Rogoi's charges then lost 2-1 to Namibia in their second match with Njogu going down 6-1, 6-1 to Henry Van Schalkwyk.
Kael Shah battled hard in the second singles rubber but eventually lost to Codie Van Schalyk 7-5, 6-3.
Team Kenya's poor form continued with a defeat to Algeria, where they lost 2-1 with Hamza Reguy edging Njogu 6-1, 6-4. Kael lost to Rayan Gejemis 7-6(7-4) 6-4 , 7-5.
For the playoff match against Benin, Kenya went down 2-1. Keean lost to Patrick Agbo 6-0, 6-3 as sibling Kael went down to Alexis Klegon 6-1, 6-1.
In the doubles category, Njogu and Ominde beat Sylvestre Mannou and Patrick Agbo 7-6(7-2) 7-5.
