By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –
FOUR Zambian Badminton players have been barred from competing at the 2015 Africa Schools Badminton Championship in South Africa.
The Badminton South Africa (BSA) barred Owen Mukuka, Paul Mwamba, Kalombo Mulenga and Rodrick Mwansa, who participated in the Zambia International, from competing following their late arrival for the tournament on Sunday.
Badminton Zambia (BZ) general secretary Kingsley Mulenga said in an interview yesterday that the four players left for South Africa on Sunday, the same day the tournament started in Cape Town.
“They (players) left for South Africa just after our tournament here ended but unfortunately, they could not be allowed to compete because they arrived late.
“It is not our making that these players arrived late in South Africa because everything was arranged. They were participating in the Zambia International which ended on Sunday and their coach Juma Muwowo had reached the semi final of the mixed doubles,” Mulenga said.
However, Kalombo will compete in the South Africa International Championship that is part of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games qualifiers for the Southern African circuit.
Kalombo will face Philipp Samsoe of South Africa in the first round while experienced shuttler Muwowo, who is also national coach, has been drawn against Namibia’s Hertshelle Witbooi.
