By Rihana Adam, GNA
Accra, July 10, GNA - Ghana’s national women’s tennis team, the Diamond Rackets, have arrived in Gaborone, Botswana, to compete in the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge Africa Group III, scheduled for July 13 to 18, 2026.
The prestigious tournament, regarded as the world’s premier international team competition in women’s tennis, would feature 11 African countries battling for promotion to the Europe/Africa Group II in 2027.
Participating nations include hosts Botswana, Algeria, Burundi, Cameroon, Kenya, Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, Tunisia, Zimbabwe and Ghana.
Ghana’s contingent comprises a blend of youthful talent and determination, including Sisu-Makena Tomegah, Gwendolyn Klu, Tracy Ampah and Precious Okoh.
The team would be guided by experienced coach Bernard Ashitey Armaah, who expressed confidence in the players’ preparation and readiness to compete against the continent’s best.
The competition format would see the 11 teams divided into one group of three and two groups of four, with nations competing in a two-stage round-robin format.
At the end of the competition, the top two teams would gain promotion to the Europe/Africa Group II in 2027, while the bottom two sides would be relegated to Africa Group IV.
Although Ghana enters the tournament as one of the unseeded teams, the Diamond Rackets remain determined to challenge the established tennis nations and showcase the steady progress of women’s tennis in Ghana.
Coach Armaah described the camping programme as a major boost to the team’s readiness.
He said, “The residential training allowed us to work extensively on all aspects of our game without distractions.”
“The players have trained exceptionally hard, their commitment has been outstanding, and we are optimistic they will give their very best for Ghana.”
“We know the competition will be tough, but we are prepared to compete with determination and pride.”
Isaac Aboagye Duah, President of the Ghana Tennis Federation (GTF), expressed appreciation to sponsors, partners, parents and individuals whose support made Ghana’s participation possible.
He acknowledged that fundraising for the team had been challenging due to increased corporate attention towards football activities.
He said, “On behalf of the Ghana Tennis Federation Board, I wish to express our deepest appreciation to all our sponsors and partners who believed in our vision and invested in our young athletes.”
Mr Duah praised organisations and individuals including Dot.Atelier Foundation, Stanbic Bank Ghana, GTS Drilling, Ecobank Development Corporation (EDC), A10 Foundation, CBG Bank, Isaac Tomegah, Maxwell Gidi, Ambassador Ramses Cleland, Dr Joseph Wiredu, Nii Plants Logistics, Cedric Dzelu, Henry Larbi and Henry Boni-Quarshie for their contributions.
He also thanked the parents of the players and other supporters who contributed financially and morally towards the team’s preparations.
He said, “every contribution, whether financial, logistical or moral, has played a vital role in making this journey possible. Your support has given these young ladies the opportunity to proudly wear the national colours on the international stage.”
The GTF President said Ghana’s unseeded status would not affect the team’s ambition, insisting that matches are decided on the court rather than rankings.
“Being unseeded does not diminish our ambition. Tennis is played on the court, not on paper.
“We believe our players have prepared well, possess tremendous fighting spirit and will compete with courage against every opponent.”
The Diamond Rackets are expected to represent Ghana with discipline, resilience and the true spirit of sportsmanship as they seek to make an impact in Gaborone, Botswana.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade