Africa-Press – Kenya. Kenyan player Edwin Waitathu has added his voice to the growing concerns over the suffering being experienced in badminton circles.
The badminton elite player said a lot had changed in the badminton circles and the attitude of the federation’s officials is worrying.
“We have really suffered as players. As things are, we can feature in any international tournament and even local events are not forthcoming,” Waitathu said.
Waitathu, who trains at Diamond Plaza in Parklands, Nairobi said the country’s suspension by the Badminton World Federation has left most stakeholders confused.
” This is a major setback not only for me but the entire badminton fraternity. The move has not only lowered the players’ chances of elevating their game expertise but is also a major blow for those who depended on it for livelihood,”
He added: “When you are at the peak of your career and your game is suspended, you definitely lose out on a lot of things.”
Badminton Kenya was banned indefinitely in March last year by the Badminton World Federation due to leadership wrangles.
“There have been many occasions where players and people of goodwill have tried to intervene and talk to concerned parties but no positive outcome so far,” he lamented.
Waitathu said the officials do not seem to have the players’ interest at heart because the warring factions have refused to cede ground as far as returning to normalcy is concerned.
“The issue is all about personal interests and officials care less about what the players are going through,” he revealed.
Waitathu is, however, confident that the new Sports Cabinet Secretary will sort out the issue once and for all.
“I hope the new cabinet can assist us to have the badminton back in business by first canceling the federation’s certificate so that there is no faction claiming to be a government affiliate,” Waithatu said.
He noted: “I’m saying this because this will help us have a committee formed by neutral people who would see us through in making the constitution and also holding elections.”
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