Tanzania: U-16 Boys in Nyerere Ping-Pong Tournament

By Mbonile Burton

BOYS aged less than 16 years have been invited to take part in this year's Nyerere Badminton Cup scheduled for October 12-14 in Dar es Salaam.

Tournament organiser Tony Desouza told the 'Daily News' in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday that preparations for the three-day event are in top gear. "The Nyerere Badminton Cup will be held this month and is open to both men and women.

We've also invited U-16 boys," he said. "We intend to involve the U-16 boys in the competition as we know these are the game's future stars," Desouza said, adding that Dar es Salaam-based schools can contact him if they have players wishing to take part. He also appealed to women to turn up in numbers to take part in the event.

He said: "Last time we got a very poor response from ladies. We need them to come forth and prove their worth in sports and particularly in badminton."

Ladies failed to make it in the last badminton tournament, Tony's Cup, held in July this year, but Desouza is optimist they will take part this time around.

"We are back to business and we need support from all players to make the badminton feast a success," he said. The organizer also made a special plea to badminton players to register for the Nyerere Cup.

He also said apart from honouring the Father of the Nation, the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the tournament also aims to revive and promote badminton in the country.

"We're ready to arrange accommodation for upcountry players wishing to take part in the tournament. All they have to do is inform us early," said Desouza.

He said that the participants will compete in men's singles and doubles, women's singles and doubles and mixed double. The tournament will be held at the Khalsa Sports Club in the city and efforts are being made to stage some matches at the Annadil Burhani court.

"We ask Annadil Burhani management to allow us to use their court to attract more badminton enthusiasts to appreciate the game. Desouza also welcomed individuals and companies wishing to support or contribute to the event to contact him.

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