Africa Games: Badminton to atone for squabbles with medals
By Amos Abuga, August 14, 2019
Kenya will be represented by eight badminton players at the 12th edition of the Africa Games set to take place from August 19-31 in Morocco.
It was a huge relief to the players especially after their participation in the games had been thrown in doubt following last week’s order by the Sports Disputes Tribunal (SDT) that the federation conducts fresh selection in conformity and adherence to the laid down procedures.
The litigants, who went to SDT, pointed out that some of the players who were chosen for the games did not take part in at least 50 per cent of the tournaments during the ranking period. With the annulment of the initial nomination, SDT directed that the two factions produce four players apiece and two selectors each for the fresh trials.
The petitioners, led by Abraham Wongute and players Edwin Waitathu, Loice Andia and Sheila Gakii, faulted Badminton Kenya, under the stewardship of president Peter Muchiri, for nominating a team that did not meet the selection criteria.
Before they left for Casablanca last night, team manager John Mburu was adamant the challenges and squabbles that had rocked the federation in recent times would spur the team to go for good results.
“The players have indeed gone through a lot. We are just happy the trip is back on track. There is no better news for the players,” Mburu said.
“Failure to take part in such big events was most likely going to reflect badly on the Kenyan game,” he added.
Mercy Joseph and Sharon Juma were retained with Lavina Martins and Linda Mosomtai being the new inclusions.
The men’s team, however, had more new faces with only Edwin Akwany retained from the initial team as Shana Patel and Sammy Sikoyo were dropped in favour of John Wanyoike, Waitathu and Nickson Kiprotich.