Selepe hails Team SA after BNP Paribas World Team Cup Africa Qualifiers

Team SA narrowly lost 2–1 to hosts Morocco in the semifinals but bounced back strongly to defeat Cameroon 2–0 in the bronze medal tie. 

Pheeha Machaka claimed a 7–5, 6–2 victory over Isidore Kamgue, while Mpho Mhlongo followed up with a dominant 6–0, 6–3 win against Alhadji Mouhaman to seal the result.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Selepe believes the tournament provided valuable exposure for SA’s youthful side. 

"I never really expected the Bronze medal because of the team we sent out. As part of the development, we have players who are not regular national team players who are straight from the development.

"It's a transition for them to move to the senior level and we are very happy that the development is working and that we were able to send a team that was not just there to add numbers, but rather to compete."

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Despite the podium finish, Team South Africa did not qualify for the next stage of the World Team Cup. 

However, Selepe was encouraged by the team’s overall performance, noting that they held their own against strong opposition, particularly in the semifinal against Morocco.

The seasoned administrator also reflected on the state of wheelchair tennis in South Africa, acknowledging ongoing challenges. He welcomed the hosting of two international tournaments last year, which helped improve local players’ rankings, but stressed that more still needs to be done to grow the sport.

"As for the state of wheelchair tennis in South Africa, look we are not where we want to be. Obviously, it takes sponsorship and because of sponsorship we're not where want to be. 

"You saw that we hosted two international tournaments in June last year after going so many years without hosting. Hosting tournaments gives our local players an opportunity to obtain international rankings at home, so without hosting only a few players who can get financial support will be able to travel and accumulate ranking points to be seen."