Benoni is ready for continent’s best shuttlers
The competition is expected to feature leading African countries and some of the continent's top players.
The popping sounds of rackets hitting shuttlecocks and shoes squeaking on the court will be the order of the day when Africa’s badminton royalty compete for gold at the All Africa Championships at John Barrable Hall from February 13 to 19.
Around 15 countries, including top-ranked nations like Nigeria, Egypt and Mauritius, are expected at the competition, while top players Adham Hatem Elgamal, Doha Hany and Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori will likely attend.
“We expect around 15 countries to participate with between six and eight members per team, excluding coaches,” said South Africa national coach Stewart Carson.
City of Ekurhuleni’s sport and recreation divisional head Enock Tompa confirmed the municipality has accepted the event to be held in the region.
“The hosting of the event in the city will not only contribute towards the exposure of our communities to this sporting code but will also have a positive economic impact on the region,” Tompa said.
He added that the municipality is committed and will ensure that the delivery of the event is successful.
At the previous championships in 2022, South Africa finished third in the team event.
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Carson stated that although it will be tough, he expects his players to give it their all to finish in the first place.
“This time around we are going for gold. It will be extremely tough but if all the players give 100% in all their matches, we can get to the top of the podium.”
Individually, the South Africans are well placed to pull off some upsets in the competition. The individual events will be seeded, meaning the strongest players will meet later in the competition.”
Six of the squad members are ranked in the top 20 in the men’s and women’s singles. The doubles and mixed doubles will present another opportunity for a podium finish for the hosts as these events are the most competitive.
The team of Jarred Elliot and Robert Summers is ranked fifth, while Caden Kakora and Robert While are seventh in the men’s doubles.
The Eastern Gauteng Badminton Association (EGBA) team of Amy Ackerman and Deidrè Jordaan is the continent’s second-best women’s doubles team while Diane Olivier and Demi Botha are placed seventh.
In the mixed doubles, Elliot and Ackerman are in the top three while White and Jordaan are ranked seventh.
“We got two silvers last year in the women’s and mixed doubles. This year we are going for two golds and a few silvers but anything can happen on the day.
“This young team has improved dramatically over the last two years. I’m hoping that each of them will have their best championships to date to showcase their improvement. I cannot ask for more,” Carson said.
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