Duduza – Eyethu Badminton Development Club NPO, in conjunction with the City of Ekurhuleni, hosted a Youth Badminton Development Tournament at Strauss Badminton Hall, Germiston, on September 26 and 27.

The tournament was supported by North-West University (NWU), KD Civils (Pty) Ltd, Duduza Sports Confederation, Mfino Foundation, parents and volunteers.

The tournament aimed to promote youth development through badminton, instil discipline, dedication, respect and sportsmanship.

“The tournament is important because it keeps youth off the streets, promotes healthy lifestyles, exposes township youth to a non-traditional sport, and creates a pathway from community to provincial to university level,” said NPO director Roller Mongala.

The event brought together 40 participants, comprising 32 players, six officials and two physiotherapists from NWU.

The competition featured youth and open categories, including male singles, female singles, mixed doubles, girls’ doubles and boys’ doubles, with players from Eyethu in Duduza, Ekurhuleni, and NWU taking part.

“The players delivered high-standard performances throughout the competition, with discipline, competitive spirit and good sportsmanship displayed across all categories,” he said.

In the male singles, Asanda Mabuza of Eyethu defeated Lerato Mahlophe of Eyethu 15–13, 15–13. Mbali Let Roux of Eyethu won the female singles after beating Lungile Mtshali of NWU 15–13, 15–5.

In the mixed doubles, Mabuza and Kamohelo Tambakwayo of Eyethu defeated Jack Nkosi and Mtshali of NWU 15–13, 15–2.

The girls’ doubles saw Let Roux and Lindo Twala of Eyethu beat Modiehi Ngwato and Moloko Molokai 15–7, 15–6, while Mabuza and Mahlophe of Eyethu claimed victory in the boys’ doubles, overcoming Nkosi and Khutso Khumo of NWU 12–15, 15–8, 15–13.

Winners received trophies in recognition of their participation and hard work. Mongala said the tournament gave match experience, exposed participants to university-level competition, built confidence and teamwork in doubles, and identified future champions.

“It also linked the community club to a university pathway. Badminton is affordable, safe, played indoors, and develops hand-eye coordination, speed, discipline, focus and respect.

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“It keeps youth away from drugs and crime, and provides academic-sport balance, scholarships, and travel opportunities. It is underplayed, so Ekurhuleni youth can excel nationally quickly,” he said.

He further highlighted challenges players face, such as a lack of facilities, equipment, sponsorship and exposure, noting many people focus only on soccer or netball. He added that players also require physiotherapy support and coaching.

To grow the youth tournament into an annual university and TVET college open, Mongala extended an invitation to all universities and TVET colleges in Gauteng and nationally to participate.

“We plan to host more clinics, coaching courses and inter-community leagues,” he said.

Eyethu Badminton Development Club offers free or low-cost training at the Duduza Multi-Purpose Centre from Monday to Friday, between 15:30 and 18:00. The programme is open to everyone, including youth, beginners, primary school learners and older community members.

The club also competes at a local and provincial level through the Eastern Gauteng Badminton Association and supports players with letters for school-related needs, life-skills development and its Future Champions programme.

Among its young players is Tshepiso Lebenya (11) from Mmuso Primary School. For more information, contact Mongala on 082 228 1792.