Ackerman qualifies for second Thomas and Uber Cup finals
She helped the South African women's side to the teams title, which sealed their qualification for the global showpiece to be held in Denmark from April 24 to May 3.
Amy Ackerman underlined her class with a golden showing at the African Badminton Championships when she helped power South Africa to qualify for the Badminton World Federation (BWF) Thomas and Uber Cup finals in Denmark in April and May.
For the Eastern Gauteng Badminton Association (EGBA) player, booking a second appearance at the Uber Cup finals is more than just another milestone.
“This is the second time I’ve qualified, and that’s a huge achievement, not just for me but for every teammate who left it all out on the court,” she said.
“It shows we can compete with the best in Africa and earn the chance to face the world’s top countries.”
Team SA set the tone early, topping their group after battling past Zimbabwe and Nigeria to reach the semi-finals. A clinical 3-0 win over Algeria punched their ticket to the final against continental heavyweights Egypt.
With pressure mounting, the South Africans refused to blink.
Team captain Johanita Scholtz produced a gutsy comeback against reigning African champion Nour Ahmed Youssri to swing momentum SA’s way, before Elmé de Villiers added another crucial singles victory. Ackerman fought hard in her singles clash but went down, leaving the tie delicately poised.
There was no panic. Only belief.
Ackerman and Scholtz regrouped for the doubles – and delivered when it mattered most – sealing the win and securing Team SA’s place on the global stage.
“I think the week showed the grit and grind of this team,” Ackerman said. “You can’t afford to let one match slip because you’re never sure about the other results. Having the boys’ team behind us gave us that extra belief to keep fighting.”
Ackerman’s momentum carried into the singles competition, where she struck gold in the women’s doubles and added silver in the mixed doubles — a fitting reward after four demanding months on the road competing and training.
While she and Scholtz are taking a short recovery break, the focus is already shifting to April/May’s Uber Cup finals, where only a handful of nations qualify.
“Our goal is simple – leave everything out on the court,” she said.
“Winning is great, but gaining experience and making sure they remember Team SA is just as important.”
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