Craig Tiley gets Davis Cup nod

Craig Tiley has been reappointed captain of the MTN South African Davis Cup team, Mohammed Sheik, general manager of the South African Tennis Association (Sata), announced on Tuesday.

But the position of Fed Cup captain has not been filled and Sata have invited anyone interested in applying for the job to contact Sheik.

Tiley steered the SA team to victory over Belarus in Cape Town in April and then lost a spirited battle for a place in next year's World Group to Britain at Birmingham in September.

The head coach of tennis at the University of Illinois said he appreciated the opportunity to build on what they had started in 1999.

The South African Davis Cup team will again face Belarus in their Euro/African Group One tie but this time it will be played in Minsk.

The winner of that contest will move into a World Group promotion/relegation tie in September.

"Craig Tiley's coaching skills and psychological training will lead our team to victory in the new millennium," said Sheik.

"We are passionate about our Davis Cup team who we believe, coupled with the assistance of Craig, have the experience and talent to win the Davis Cup."

With the failure of the women's Fed Cup team to win promotion for two years now, Sheik said he fully supported the board's decision to advertise the post.

Sata will be looking at candidates who have good leadership and communication skills as well as extensive experience in the modern game, preferably at international level. - Sapa