The Wanderers Club’s rising badminton star, Keaton Stansfeld (13) represented South Africa at the All Africa U15 Continental Championships in Mauritius and came home with a team bronze medal.
In the individual section, Stansfeld won two games before an injury to his knuckle in the quarter-final impeded his play and he lost to a boy from Mauritius 21–18, 21–19.
In the team section, Stansfeld featured as a reserve for the South African team, which came third behind Uganda (first) and Mauritius.
“It was a good experience. I learnt how quick people are to get to the shuttle and how fit they are,” said the youngster. “I enjoyed meeting people from other countries and learned a bit of Arabic and French too.”
Stansfeld said the tournament from 1–10 August opened his eyes to how hard players trained to be the best, and he hoped to work on his serving and fitness.
“While I am young I want to make the Youth Olympic Games [in Tokyo, 2020]. One day I want to make the main Olympics and be number one in South Africa.”
According to his proud coach, Dave Calvert, Stansfeld is strong in all areas and will go the distance.
“He is good physically, tactically, technically and psychologically. He is also determined and fit,” Calvert bragged.
Stansfeld’s passion for the game runs deep, though he struggles to define it in words.
“I love playing and meeting new people. It feels nice when you serve, when you serve hard and play well. Hopefully, I can play for the rest of my life.”
Also read: Nothing bad about badminton at The Wanderers
