BBA to host Africa badminton tourney

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Friday August 10, 2007 00:00

BBA vice president Kunyalala Mpinyane told Mmegi Sport yesterday that the countries that have already confirmed their participation include South Africa, Nigeria, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Zambia, Uganda, Morocco and Kenya. He said that they are still waiting for more confirmations from other countries.

Botswana will be represented by a total of nine players. In the boys' bracket, Botswana will be banking on Martin Ngwanaamotho, Ponatshego Mmereki, Kabelo Golekanywe, and Kamogelo Ramotopi. The girls' category comprises Kgalalelo Kegakilwe, Kgalaletso Kegakilwe, Shariefa Van der Westhuizen, Precious Ramaja and Botho Makobati. Besides small regional events, the last major Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA), formerly Africa Badminton Federation (ABF) event organised in Botswana was the 1997 BCA Juniors. Mpinyane has told Mmegi Sport that the facilities have not improved since then.

 
He said that facilities are a major concern in their quest to develop badminton in the country. He said that they rely on the venues at St Joseph's College and Tsholofelo Community Hall. He said that they normally fail to hold any activities especially in the third school terms as most of the venues they rely on are usually used for examinations. He said that their aim as an association is to start a grassroots development programme where children aged between eight and 13 will be groomed. He, however, said that since they have a shortage of halls and other facilities, it would be a major challenge since most of their target groups are primary school pupils.

 
The players will go into camp from August 13-18. He revealed that the local players would have a chance to prepare for the big event when they take part in a tournament in Jwaneng over the weekend, featuring Under-15, Under-17 and Under-19 players. 
BCA will also hold its annual general meeting (AGM) in Gaborone on August 23. The AGM will, among other issues, consider countries in the race to host the next continental events. Meanwhile, South Africa's Andrew Reynold, will on August 17-19, hold an umpires' course. Reynold will also be a referee at the championships.