Ismael Changawa during a previous tournament/ HANDOUT
Twelve-time Davis Cup player Ismael Changawa will spearhead Kenya's push for promotion to Africa Group III after Tennis Kenya unveiled a youthful five-man squad for the Davis Cup Africa Group IV tournament set for June 17-20 at Nairobi Club.
Changawa, returning from a lengthy injury layoff, will captain the hosts alongside Raymond Riziki, Liberty Baraka, Jeff Okuku and Zayyan Virani. Kenya will be seeking to make home advantage count in a tournament featuring Algeria, Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
The top two teams will secure promotion to Africa Group III, while the bottom two face relegation to Group V.
For Changawa, who is making his 12th Davis Cup appearance for Kenya, the tournament presents another opportunity to help the country climb the international tennis ladder despite recent injury setbacks. "This is my 12th Davis Cup. Every year is different, so definitely this year is not the same," said Changawa.
The veteran revealed that he took a-year-long break from competition after undergoing surgery on his left knee, and he is still on the recovery path.
"I've been struggling with injuries after I underwent surgery on my left knee, so this year I’m doing my full recovery," he said.
Despite the challenges, Changawa remains confident that Kenya can secure promotion.
"Our dream as of now is to be promoted to Group III and we think we are ready to do it. Yes, we are ready to challenge for Group III especially the young blood," he added.
Changawa welcomed the youthful makeup of the squad, saying it brings fresh energy into the team. "This being the youngest team is good because it brings some new energy," he said.
Kenya Davis Cup captain Rosemary Owino expressed confidence in the team's preparations, noting that exposure to several tournaments had strengthened the players' belief ahead of the competition.
"I'm very excited seeing the young team competing at home especially playing Davis Cup. They've been playing a few tournaments so they are feeling really confident," said Owino.
Owino highlighted the importance of balancing youth and experience, describing
Changawa as an important mentor to the younger players.
"A lot has changed since we last hosted Davis Cup. Ismael was also part of the team then. We've tried to expose the team we have now as much as possible," she said.
"Ismael being part of the team is really great because he's like a mentor and role model to the young ones. Everyone selected to this team brings something and hopefully they will gain from each other."
She also called on Kenyans to rally behind the team during the four-day tournament. "We hope Kenyans come in numbers to support the team because this will boost their confidence. It's important mixing experience with new blood," Owino added.
Tennis Kenya President Wanjiru Karani described the Davis Cup as one of the sport's most prestigious competitions, saying the event provides players with an opportunity to represent their country beyond individual achievements.
"The Davis Cup is the World Cup of Tennis and one of the longest-running international team competitions in world sport. It is where players stop playing for ranking points, prize money and individual glory, and instead compete for something much bigger – the flag on their chest and the country in their hearts," Karani said in a speech read on her behalf during the team unveiling.
Karani noted that Kenya's Davis Cup journey dates back to 1975 and paid tribute to former players who helped shape the country's tennis legacy. She described the current squad as a new generation ready to carry that legacy forward.
"This is a young team. A hungry team. A team with dreams," she said. "Some of these players will be experiencing Davis Cup at home for the very first time."
Karani also praised Owino's leadership, describing her as one of Africa's leading tennis coaches and a pioneer in the sport. "Rosemary has spent decades developing players, building systems and serving Kenyan tennis," she said.
The Tennis Kenya president added that the players selected for the national team are products of structures established to nurture talent across the country. "They have trained for hours. They have sacrificed. They have balanced school, university, work and family commitments. They have faced setbacks and still chosen to keep going," she said.
Karani urged fans to create a genuine home advantage for Team Kenya.
"Home advantage is real. When the stands are full, when the drums are beating, when the crowd is behind you, players find another level," she said, inviting Kenyans to attend the tournament at Nairobi Club.
With a blend of youthful enthusiasm and veteran leadership, Kenya will be hoping to make the most of home support and secure promotion as they seek to write a new chapter in the country's Davis Cup history.
