Eastern Gauteng Badminton Association (EGBA) player Daniel Smith will keep pushing himself and try to win provincial and national tournaments until he gets a sponsor.
Although the Benoni High learner has no desire to pursue badminton as a career, he will keep on improving as a player and hopes his dedication and commitment will help him get a scholarship at one of the country’s top universities.
Ive always loved sport, especially badminton because it pushes me. I enjoy it and if I do well, I could become successful, he said.
Smith explained he had become fitter and stronger since he started playing, adding he would continue challenging himself to become one of the best in his age group.
Some people I know have been accepted into university because of badminton. If I keep on playing and become good, I could get a scholarship too. I could also make money from it should I get a sponsor.
EGBA successes
Smith is part of the EGBA U15 team, which also includes the number-one ranked player in this category in the country, Jordan van Tonder.
The team was third overall in the U15 national championships in March in Bloemfontein. Van Tonder was a runner-up in the singles while he also came second in the doubles with his partner Michelle Wen.
The EGBAs U13A team came second in the team event. In the singles, the organisation won gold in the girls doubles open and was second in the mixed doubles.
In the U19 nationals in Kimberly earlier this month, EGBA was second in the team event. The team further took home nine medals.
Miguel Vigario and Emily Li won the boys and girls singles. Li and Anika van der Merwe clinched the gold in the girls doubles while Miguel teamed up with his brother Ricardo to win the boys doubles gold.
Ricardo added to the teams tally when he won the mixed doubles with partner Chloe Li.
Miguel, Rocardo and Yin Wen Li have been selected to represent SA at the All Africa U19 Championships in Senegal from August 12 to 18.
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