Pietie Norval counting on home ground advantage against Bosnia and Herzegovina

Pietie expressed relieve after South Africa received its fourth home tie and he is relying on the home ground advantage to beat European oppositions in the encounter that is set to be played in the weekend of 18-20 September.

More than anything, the skipper is more relieved that they will once again have the opportunity to play the match against Bosnia in front of their fans.  

Fresh from beating Montenegro 3-2 in at Irene Country Club last week to retain their place in Group II, Pietie is more confident that they will upset Bosnia in the upcoming home tie.

The draw to decide that pitted South Africa against Bosnia was conducted at the International Tennis Federation Office in London on Thursday.

South Africa will face Bosnia and Herzegovina for the first time in six years after SA team lost 3-1 to the European country in a World Group, I tie away from home in Zenica in 2020.

However, with this now being South Africa’s fourth home tie in a row, Pietie believes that they have better chance of winning the big game when they trade blows in September.

He told SABC Sport that the team is high in confidence and growing in belief in the last couple of months. “I am so excited about the draw for the SA Davis Cup team, and we are lucky to get another home time and yes, it’s over fourth home time in a row. Home tie always gives us an extra advantage as we have seen last week when we defeated Montenegro at home. They are ranked above us but playing at home we fancy our chances and hopefully we will get the win. We are excited about playing in front of our supporters again,” said a confident Pietie.

He credited the fans for showing up in big numbers last week as that contributed to their win against Montenegro. “The last time we met Bosnia we lost, but playing at home gives us the belief and confidence that we could win the tie. Hopefully everybody will be healthy and available for team selection in September. For me, home ground advantage is very important, and it boosts our chances of winning the tie,” he concluded.