05 Feb 2026

Botswana is set to take centre stage as the host of the All-Africa Senior Championships, marking the country’s triumphant return to the continental stage.
The six-day tournament begins on February 9 and runs through February 14 to end the long period of absence for the local squad.
The last time the Botswana badminton team competed in the event was in 2013, when it was hosted in South Africa. Since then, financial constraints have forced players to remain on the sidelines as spectators.
Now, by serving as the host nation, Botswana has paved the way for a major competitive comeback.
To ensure that they make a statement on home soil, the national team recently completed an intensive training camp in India and returned home yesterday.
Meanwhile, the tournament is a cornerstone of the badminton calendar, drawing entries from 21 countries, including powerhouses like Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa.
Other participating countries include Algeria, Botswana (host), Burundi, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Morocco, Mauritius, Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The championship will feature the continent’s elite talent competing in both individual and team categories.
Under the tutelage of coaches Oreeditse Thela and Keita Fukuda, athletes who will represent the nation include Tefo Kabomo, Godknows Ketlhabanetswe, Tshepo Perekisi, Tumelo Moilwa and Tsamorena Kgosidialwa in the men’s team.
The women’s squad comprises Keletso Ntebela, Tsholofelo Willie, Tebogo Ndzinge and Tessa Kabelo.
In an interview, Botswana Badminton Association (BBA) president, Modisaotsile Badubi confirmed that the tournament was sanctioned by both the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA).
Badubi said he was happy to have been given the opportunity to host, noting that the event allowed Botswana to showcase its infrastructure, hospitality and sporting passion. ENDS