South Africa’s badminton team has made a solid start at the 2025 All Africa Mixed Team Championships, securing victories on both Day 1 and Day 2 of the tournament in Douala, Cameroon. With wins over Réunion (5-0) and Uganda (4-1), South Africa currently leads Group B, putting them in a good position for the knockout stages.
The tournament, which runs from February 10 to 13, 2025, is being held at the Gymnase du Complexe Japoma and features top teams from across the continent. Defending champions Egypt remain strong contenders, with North African nations traditionally among the favorites.
Day 1: Confident Performance Against Réunion
South Africa started the tournament on a positive note, defeating Réunion 5-0 in their opening match.
In the men’s singles, Caden Kakora faced Aaron Assing in a match that started with a setback as Kakora lost the first game 17-21. However, he found his rhythm and recovered well to win the next two games 21-15, 21-8 in a match lasting 47 minutes.
In the women’s singles, Johanita Scholtz was in control throughout her match against Mathilde Lepetit, securing a straightforward 21-10, 21-13 win in just 24 minutes.
The men’s doubles match was a competitive one, with Kakora and Robert Summers taking on Assing and Xavier Chan Fung Ting. The South African pair came from behind after losing the first game 17-21, winning the next two 21-15, 24-22 in a match that lasted 57 minutes.
The women’s doubles team of Scholtz and Amy Ackerman put in a composed performance, defeating Emmanuelle Admette and Alison Bradel 21-10, 21-10 in 20 minutes.
South Africa wrapped up the tie with a mixed doubles victory as Summers and Ackerman comfortably won 21-5, 21-9 against Thibaud Cougouille and Admette, sealing a 5-0 result.
Day 2: Tougher Test Against Uganda
South Africa’s second match was against Uganda, a team expected to provide a stronger challenge. However, South Africa put in a good all-round performance to win 4-1.
The mixed doubles match saw Summers and Ackerman get South Africa off to a good start, defeating Muzafaur Lebega and Husina Kobugabe 21-10, 21-9.
In the men’s singles, Kakora continued his strong form, beating Kenneth Mwambu 21-8, 21-17 in 28 minutes, giving South Africa a 2-0 lead.
The women’s singles saw Scholtz take on Fadilah Mohamed Rafi in a match that was more closely contested. Scholtz, however, managed to secure a 21-18, 21-18 victory in 32 minutes, giving South Africa an unassailable 3-0 lead.
Uganda got their first win of the tournament in the men’s doubles, where Daniel Steyn and Summers played a hard-fought match against Muzafaru Lubega and Augustus Owinyi. The South African pair lost a tight three-game contest, marking their first defeat of the tournament.
South Africa finished on a strong note, as Ackerman and Scholtz won the final women’s doubles match in three games, 15-21, 21-19, 21-15, securing the overall 4-1 result.
Looking Ahead to the Knockout Rounds
With the group stage completed, South Africa is awaiting its quarter-final draw. The top two teams from the pools will go straight into the semi-finals, with South Africa likely to be in contention for one of those spots alongside Algeria and Nigeria.
With two wins from two matches, South Africa has started the tournament well. As they move into the knockout rounds, they will be aiming to maintain their momentum and challenge for a strong finish.
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For More South African Badminton News: Johanita Scholtz: From Childhood Passion to African Badminton Champion and Olympian
