Botswana will from January 9 host the 2026 International Tennis Federation and Confederation of African Tennis Southern Africa Junior Championships in Gaborone. The regional tournament will run until January 17 and will place the country at the center of junior tennis in Southern Africa.
The zonal championship will feature Under-14 and Under-16 players competing in individual and team events. The tournament will bring together some of the most promising young tennis players from across the region. It also serves as a key development pathway for future elite athletes.
Botswana Tennis Association vice president Nonofo Othusitse said the event is expected to attract about 150 players and coaches. Countries that have confirmed participation include Angola, eSwatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Othusitse said Botswana, as the host nation, is allowed to register up to six players per age group and gender. Other participating countries are limited to three players each. Botswana will compete in both the Under-14 and Under-16 team events for boys and girls.
He said the national teams have undergone structured preparation ahead of the championship. Training camps were held from December 15 to 19 and again from January 5 to 8. These camps focused on match readiness, fitness and competitive discipline.
Othusitse noted that hosting the tournament aligns with the Botswana National Sport Commission 2028 strategy. It also supports the Botswana Tennis Association goal of attracting and hosting high-profile international sporting events.
He said the championship provides an opportunity for Botswana to showcase its commitment to youth development and sporting excellence. The event is expected to boost tourism and international exposure as families, coaches and officials travel to Gaborone to support the athletes.
Othusitse added that the tournament will inspire local players through exposure to high-level competition. It will also strengthen regional cooperation and further enhance Botswana’s reputation as a reliable and welcoming host of international sporting events.
The 2026 ITF CAT Southern Africa Junior Championships are expected to be a major highlight on the regional tennis calendar and a significant milestone for tennis development in Botswana.
