June 2026

The IC of South Africa host the Nations Cup and Legends Awards Dinner

The IC of South Africa hosted the Nations Cup and Legend Awards Dinner from 18-23 March 2026.

Nations Cup – Three Days of International Tennis

The Nations Cup was contested over three days of highly competitive and engaging tennis hosted at Kelvin Grove Tennis Club. The event brought together international teams in a format that balanced competitive intensity with the core IC values of sportsmanship, camaraderie, and friendship. In addition, guests were given a free day to arrange their own excursions.

Day 1 – Arrival and Welcome

The opening function set the tone for the tournament, with players having arrived from various parts of the globe. The Welcome Dinner was held at Kelvin Grove, providing an opportunity for players and officials to connect in a relaxed environment, renewing old and making new friendships, reinforcing the values that underpin IC events.

Day 2 – Opening Matches

Teams began engaging in well-contested matches. The standard of play was consistently high, with several closely fought encounters that highlighted both the depth of talent and the competitive pride of each nation. At the end of the day, the Nations tie was won by South Africa who edged out GB. Two other mixed regional teams completed the group.

Day 3 – Day at Leisure

This was a free day with guests able to plan their own excursions.

A highlight of the day was the evening cruise, which provided a unique and memorable setting for social interaction. Against the backdrop of Cape Town’s coastline, participants were able to unwind, connect, and celebrate the shared experience of international tennis. The cruise was widely regarded as a standout feature of the event. The return to the harbour and its twinkling lights with dancing on deck to the strains of Johnny Clegg and other African tunes, was a lovely ending to the event (the outward leg in choppy seas notwithstanding!!).

Day 4 – The programme continues

The second day of competition featured a full schedule of matches across all participating teams. The level of competition intensified, with decisive results beginning to shape the standings. Off the court, the atmosphere remained vibrant and inclusive, with players supporting one another and sharing in the experience beyond the matches themselves.

Day 5 – Final Matches and Closing Ceremony

The final day of the Nations Cup brought the tournament to an exciting conclusion, as the remaining round robin matches were played. With everything still to play for, the level of tennis remained high throughout the morning. Close matches, competitive rallies, and strong team performances defined the final rounds, with results ultimately decided by fine margins.

The closing prizegiving marked a fitting conclusion to the Nations Cup. IC South Africa had the honour of awarding honorary membership to Louise Field (New Zealand), Peter Harding and Karen Cass (GB) and Pam Rosenbaum (Canada). In addition, Duard Botha was awarded honorary membership of IC Great Britain, reflecting the strong international ties fostered during the event. The formalities were followed by a relaxed pizza farewell, allowing participants to conclude the tournament in a warm and informal setting.

Legends Dinner – A Celebration of Excellence

The Legends Dinner, held at Grand Africa Café & Beach, was undoubtedly one of the defining highlights of the week. Set under the evening sky, with the ocean as a backdrop to dancing on the sand, the event created a unique and memorable atmosphere befitting the occasion. Dinner on the Deck was served buffet style and proved to be a sumptuous affair. From oysters to salmon and fillet accompanied by vegetables and salads, it was an outstanding experience.

The evening celebrated the rich legacy of South African tennis, with:

13 new Legends inducted
6 Lifetime Achievement Awards presented
6 Masters World Champions recognised.

Each recognition was a testament to the enduring impact of individuals who have shaped the sport at national and international levels.

The IC of South Africa were particularly privileged to host Brigitte Cuypers-Fourie and JL de Jager, both crowned Legends in 2023. Their presence added further prestige to the evening and served as a powerful reminder of the excellence and tradition that define South African tennis.

The event successfully combined formality with celebration, creating an environment that honoured past achievements while inspiring future generations. The feedback received from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive, with many noting the setting and organisation as truly world-class.

Further Details

Venue
The historic Kelvin Grove Country Club proved to be the ideal venue for the Nations Cup Tournament hosted by the International Club of South Africa (IC SA) in March 2026. The Club’s beautiful grounds feature the grand old historical clubhouse, 2 restaurants, bar, coffee shop and swimming pool.
Teams
Originally meant to be a gathering of 4 Nations, it soon transpired that clubs were having difficulty fielding full teams and the event became an open competition. Representatives from the US, Canada, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa found themselves playing for the Ellies, the Pumbas, the Daisies and others. In total, some 40 players had the opportunity to participate in the competition.

Format

Day 1: 4 teams of 8 competing as countries or regions. Won by SA with GB second.
Days 2 and 3: 8 teams of 4. Ladies, Men’s and Mixed Doubles.

Entertainment/Functions

Welcome function and dinner
Sunset cruise
The Legends Dinner and Awards
The prize-giving and pizza evening.

October 2019

IC SA AND ETHIOPIA FIRST DAY WINNERS

It was a good start by the hosts, IC SA and visitors and first time entrants, Ethiopia on the first day of the IC Rod Laver Junior challenge qualifying event in Benoni.

The hosts had little difficulty in brushing aside Botswana as expected. Botswana came in as very late substitutes for Zimbabwe who unfortunately could not field a team. In the past they have always been a competitive force. IC SA lost a mere handful of games as the match turned out to be merely a gentle warm up for stiffer challenges ahead.

Ethiopia quickly adapted to the high altitude conditions where the ball flies through the air quicker and bounces higher off the hard court. Playing the TSA Development team they proved their greater experience in tournament play by being able to capitalize on their chances whilst the young Development players would have learnt that control of shot on important points is a pre requisite in closing out games and sets.

The Development teams Mpho Masambuka gained their only point when he recovered from the loss of the first set without gleaning a game, to come back and win the second 63 and the Pro tie break 10 4. He showed tremendous character in recovering from the early loss. The Development boys should have taken at least a set in their doubles but a spate of double faults when leading 65 and 40-15, cost them their serve and ultimately the match. But there were some plucky performances from these young development players who are products of Tennis SA Growthpoint development programme.

Full results from day 1.

IC SA beat Botswana 6 matches to 0.

BOYS SINGLES

Carl Roothman beat Seabo Shakshando 60 60

Mikaeel Woodman beat Arnold Bleskirk 60 61

GIRLS SINGLES

Christine Kruger beat Lily Poely 60 61

Naledi Manyubi beat Atlang Chongwe 60 60

BOYS DOUBLES

IC SA beat Botswana 60 60

GIRLS DOUBLES

IC SA BEAT BOTSWANA 61 60

Ethiopia beat TSA Development Team 5 matches to 1.

BOYS SINGLES

Ohssa Gemeda beat Thato Chiloane 64 61

Yosph Gezhose lost to Mpho Masombuka 60 36 4 10