The Eastern Gauteng Badminton Association (EGBA) continues to cement its reputation as a breeding ground for young talent, with seven of its junior players named in the latest national junior squads announced by Badminton South Africa (BSA).

The selections underline the strength of the region’s development structures, with four EGBA players earning places in the U19 squad preparing for the All Africa U19 Badminton Champs later this year, while three more players were included in the national U17 squad.

Yiwen Li, tied top in the ladies singles, Havish Chetty, second in the men’s singles, Jordan van Tonder, ranked third and fourth-ranked Ricard Vigario are in the U19 national squad, while Van Tonder, Chelsey Orr and Huei-Gin Chen were included in the U17 team.

National team coach Dillan Schaap said the players were selected based on their participation in national tournaments and representing their province.

“Badminton South Africa’s selection criteria for national squads can be seen as splitting into two parts – junior national squad groups and senior national squads.

To be selected for these squads, players need to attend several national tournaments throughout the year.

“These tournaments involve competing against players from around the country and representing their respective provinces when participating in the national championships. Selectors attend these tournaments and aim to identify current and potential talent for the national squads,” he said.

The coach said the selectors’ task is to identify players to bolster the national U11/U13, U17 and U19 teams.

“The U15 and U19 national squads are also there to help with the selection of players for the All-Africa Junior teams.”