Eyethu Badminton Development recently participated in a triangular badminton tournament against the University of Pretoria (TUKS) and North-West University (NWU) at the Hartfield Rembrandt Badminton Hall in Pretoria on October 10.

The tournament followed the organisation’s successful hosting of NWU at Willem Strauss Hall in Germiston on September 26 and 27.

A total of 36 players and eight coaches took part in the tournament, with each university fielding 12 players. The teams were divided into three groups; Eyethu was represented by teams 1, 2 and 3.

Eyethu recorded positive results across all three groups. In Group 1, TUKS finished first, followed by Eyethu 1 in second and NWU in third.

In Group 2, Eyethu 2 finished first, with TUKS second and NWU third. Eyethu 3 also secured first place in Group 3, followed by TUKS in second place and NWU in third.

The tournament served as preparation for the upcoming University Sports South Africa (USSA) tournament, which will take place at the NWU campus in Potchefstroom at the end of November.

“Eyethu plans to attend the tournament as a spectator to conduct research and gather information from participating and non-participating universities to assist with its future planning,” Eyethu Badminton Development director Samuel Roller Mongala said.

Mongala has also outlined the organisation’s vision for 2027, which includes hosting two major university badminton festivals.

“The first is planned for April at the Duduza Multi-Purpose Centre, while the second is scheduled for September at John Barrable Hall in Benoni. The second is expected to run for two to four days,” he said.

Eyethu also aims to establish a badminton development pathway that will introduce the sport to early childhood development centres, primary schools, high schools, TVET colleges and universities to create opportunities for players to progress through the different levels of education.

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Meanwhile, the organisation will send two boys and two girls to represent it at the Junior International Tournament in Cape Town from November 30 to December 2.

“Eyethu will close its season with a combined closing ceremony and educational tour. The programme will include a Gautrain trip between Johannesburg and Centurion, a visit to the top floor of the Carlton Centre for panoramic views of Johannesburg and Soweto, and a visit to Vilakazi Street in Soweto,” he said.

The group will also visit the Nelson Mandela House and the Desmond Tutu Museum, where the organisation will host its awards presentation and hand out medals and trophies before returning to Duduza.

Those interested in joining Eyethu Badminton Development are welcome to attend training sessions at the Duduza Multi-Purpose Centre from Monday to Friday between 13:30 and 18:00. For more information, contact Mongala on 082 228 1792.