By FRANCINA CHOMBA –

ZAMBIA’S participation at the 2014 Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) Under-15 Badminton Championship that starts on Monday in Kampala hangs in balance after the association failed to raise K20, 000 for air tickets.
A five-member team is scheduled to leave for Uganda tomorrow ahead of the Championship but Badminton Zambia (BZ) general secretary Kinsley Mulenga said the association had by yesterday not yet secured the air tickets to enable the team make the trip.
Mulenga said in an interview that the association was now relying on the Sports Council of Zambia (SCZ) and well wishers to assist in securing air tickets so that the team travels for the competition.
“We are relying on the Sports Council of Zambia to provide us with air tickets for the team to go and participate at the championship while we have been looking at arrangements for the players’ upkeep at the tournament.
So far, we have not raised any money towards the tickets and the team is scheduled to leave on Friday but we hope something will come up before Monday,” he said.
National coach Juma Muwowo said the team that includes Annette Njobvu, Joyrain Mumba, Cephus Banda, Andrew Mumba and Kalombo Mulenga was looking forward to a successful Africa championship.
Muwowo said the team had intensified preparations and that the players were confident of minting medals.
“The team has prepared adequately for the upcoming Africa championship ahead and is ready to face their opponents without fear,” he said.