Badminton: African senior championship |08 August 2013

 Nine players to compete in Mauritius

Nine top badminton players will leave the country next week for the African senior championship which will take place in Mauritius from August 20-24.

The team, who are to take part in the individual and team events, are led by former African mixed doubles champions Georgie Cupidon and Juliette Ah-Wan.  
The other players in the men’s group are Steve Malcouzane, Kervin Ghislain and Richie Course.

The women’s team comprise Sportswoman of the year 2011 Alisen Camille, Cynthia Course, Danielle Jupiter and Chlorie Cadeau.
 
Coaches Gerard Bibi and Calix Francourt are also part of the team who leave the country on Monday.

Speaking to Sports Nation about the team’s preparation and readiness for this high level competition, coach Bibi said he is optimistic of the team’s medal chances as there are many experienced players in the squad.

“Our team is quite strong and mature with plenty of experience. Therefore if the players play to the best of their ability we expect to clinch some medals,” said coach Bibi.

Coach Bibi added that his team’s preparation did not go as they had wished as they had wanted a training camp in China or an exchange visit from a foreign team but it did not materialise.

Ten countries including powerhouses South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria have confirmed their involvement in the championship and they have been identified as the teams to beat.
Host country Mauritius is also making progress under its Malaysian coach and has enjoyed a training camp in Malaysia prior to this competition.

Cupidon, Malcouzane, Ghislain, Camille and Cynthia Course will also compete in the Mauritius International Open which starts immediately after the African senior championships.

R. J-L.