Financial constraints has forced Tanzania badminton ace Hassanal Mawoko to pull out of Nyanza Badminton Circuit Tournament, slated to run from Saturday and Sunday at Agakhan Club Hall, Kisumu, Kenya.
Speaking to the ‘Daily News on Saturday’ in Dar es Salaam on Friday, Mawoko confirmed that he could not secure sponsors for his dream event. “I had my sight for the tournament, but sponsorship as I said before is a major setback to my game.”
He received invitation from Kenya to play at the event, following his impressive performance at the Shila Open tournament at Nairobi Barclays Club early September, this year.
Mawoko, who reached quarter finals at Shila Open before he was ousted by Ugandan-Kenya, based Coach, Abraham Wogute in a thrilling match that he lost by a 18-21, 19-21 said all looked well at the start but he did not know what happened at the end as even individuals who promised to support him backed down.
“I feel like life has turned me down at the moment, but my focus and dreams will still be the same, I know without support all the efforts is nothing,” said Mawoko, who was voted Shila Open tournament best player. Mawoko said he learnt a lot at his first outing in Nairobi and was hungry for more success.
“You know Nairobi event was my first tournament outside the country, but I still managed to play well and majority were impressed with the way I played and appreciated my talent.
I’ll continue to put more effort and hard work in practice. Of- course, to miss the tournament is disappointing, but hope God will still have something good for me in the future.” he said.
The Kisumu annual event in the Kenya badminton calendar attracts players from all East African countries. Players will battle it out in men’s and women’s single and double and mixed double.
By MBONILE BURTON, Tanzania Daily News
