Uganda National Badminton coach William Kabindi was a happy man on Sunday as Uganda clinched its first gold medal at the ongoing African Games in Accra, Ghana.
Kabindi could not hide his delight as Husina Kobugabe and Gladys Mbabazi won gold in the women’s doubles at the Borteyman Sports Complex, Multi-purpose hall.
To win the coveted prize, Kobugabe and Mbabazi defeated Algerian duo of Halla Bouksani and Tanina Violette Mammeri 2-0 (23-21 and 21-14) in the final.
“It is all joy, I’m so delighted having won the very first ever gold medal for Uganda in badminton at these Games. It is indeed a mark for Uganda and the game of badminton in the country,” he started.
“Our efforts have been rewarded because as a coach you want to win the best. The hardwork we have put in, the sacrifices we made and the perseverance along the way to today have eventually brought success.” Expressed a delighted Kabindi.
He stated that winning Gold at the African Games is his biggest achievement as a coach.
“As a coach, this is the greatest success I have attained in my life. Over the years, I have won very many Championships but nothing beats this because of the level of the African Games and the fact that it is the first ever gold for Uganda in badminton,” indicated Kabindi.
The coach believes the success in Ghana will be a stepping stone for further success in the subsequent Championships.
“This definitely motivates us going into the next Championships. We feel energinized to go out there and win more and I believe this gold will be a launch pad for more success.” He stated.
Kobugabe also won silver in the Women’s singles while Fadilah Shamika scooped bronze in the same category.
The three medals take Uganda’s tally in Ghana to seven, adding to Anna Gloria Muzito’s bronze in the women’s 100m freestyle race (swimming) and weightlifter Davis Niyiyota who won two silver medals (clean and jerk) and one bronze (snatch).
