Team captain Cameron Coetzer is confident South Africa will emerge victorious at the All Africa Mixed Team Badminton Championships at John Barrable from February 13 to 19.
Coetzer explained their preparations and camaraderie put them in good standing to cause an upset over the continent‘s powerhouses.
“We have been spending time with each other and are training twice a day. We need to be united as a group before such a prestigious tournament.
“We are a young team. I feel everyone is confident. We are all training hard and have a good relationship with each other. I’m positive we will do well,” Coetzer said.
The 27-year-old added that despite their mixed results in past tournaments, they are motivated and driven to succeed because of the support they will receive from the home fans.
“In the last couple of years, we weren’t on top of our game because we had a young team. However, we’ve been a part of this structure for a long time and know what’s expected of us.
“Being at home will make a huge difference. We are in our comfort zone and will have more support. But at the end of the day, it will come down to who wants it more and who plays better on the day.”
The tournament starts with the team events from February 13 to 16 and will conclude with the singles from February 17 to 19.
A total of 14 countries, including hosts South Africa, will take part in the tournament.
In the previous championships in Uganda, South Africa ended fifth on the medal table with two bronze medals in the team events while also clinching two silvers in the singles.
“We’ve been preparing for the past six years. At every tournament in the past five years, we’ve done well. Our preparations are going well.
“At the end of last year, we played in three international competitions and got some good results. One of our match combinations beats the team ranked 51 in the world. These tournaments came at a good time,” said coach Stewart Carson.
Carson commended the dedication and commitment of his team.
“We are in a good space. The players are in a position where they are fighting for their places and this is bringing out the best in them.”
The men’s doubles pair of Robert Summers and Jarred Elliot said they are honoured to fly the country’s flag.
“These games are on our home turf. It’s the first time we’ll be playing in front of our families, so we take pride in that. We want to bring back the gold for South Africa,” Summers said.
For Elliot, he hopes his familiarity with the courts at John Barrable will work in his favour.
“We train here. We are used to the lights and the way the shuttle flies. We are comfortable. Family support is crucial and we hope to get extra motivation to do well,” he said.
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