Date: September 28, 2023
In a historic moment for African badminton, the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) has officially inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the New Vision Badminton Academy (NVBA), headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with a branch in Dubai, UAE. This landmark agreement is set to revolutionize player development on the African continent, signaling a new era of collaboration and excellence in the sport.
Mr. Michel Bau – BCA President
“The signing of this MOU represents a significant step forward for badminton in Africa. It embodies the commitment of both BCA and NVBA to nurture and empower talented athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts across the continent, aiming to elevate the sport’s standards and global recognition. This collaboration signifies the coming together of two organizations with a shared vision for the future of badminton in Africa.” Said Mr. Michel Bau – BCA President
Celebrating a Milestone in Kuala Lumpur:
The formalization of this groundbreaking collaboration took place in the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and was attended by esteemed representatives from both organizations. Mr. Jeff Shigoli, the CEO of BCA, and Mrs. Rajae Rochdy, Head of Operations of BCA, were present to commemorate this historic moment. Their presence underlined the significance of this partnership and reaffirmed BCA’s commitment to the development of badminton in Africa.
Mr. Jeff Shigoli – BCA CEO
“I am thrilled to express my utmost happiness and enthusiasm regarding the recent partnership between the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) and the New Vision Badminton Academy (NVBA). This collaboration marks a significant and exciting step forward in the development of the African continent through the sport of badminton. Our shared commitment to nurturing talent and fostering excellence within Africa is now more tangible than ever before. This collaboration holds the promise of creating a brighter future for badminton in our continent. I want to extend my gratitude to all who have worked tirelessly to bring this partnership to fruition, and I invite everyone to join us on this inspiring journey towards a stronger, more vibrant African badminton community” The CEO, Mr. Jeff Shigoli told BCA TV.
The Key Focus Areas of Collaboration
The MOU outlines a comprehensive roadmap for enhancing the skills, training, and overall development of badminton players and coaches in Africa. Some of the key focus areas of this groundbreaking collaboration include:
- Player Development Programs: BCA and NVBA will work in tandem to establish robust player development programs, identifying and nurturing young talent from across the continent. These programs will provide aspiring athletes with the guidance, coaching, and resources needed to excel on the international stage.
- Coaching and Education: A crucial component of this partnership is the exchange of coaching expertise and educational resources. NVBA, renowned for its world-class coaching staff and state-of-the-art training facilities, will provide invaluable knowledge to African coaches, enabling them to enhance their skills and methodologies.
- Talent Identification:The collaboration will focus on talent identification initiatives, aiming to discover hidden gems within African nations. Specialized scouting programs and talent camps will be organized to ensure that no promising player goes unnoticed.
- Tournament Support: NVBA will extend its support by planning international tournaments in collaboration with BCA for elite African athletes. These tournaments will serve as a platform for African players to gain exposure, compete against top-tier athletes, and earn crucial ranking points.
- Cultural Exchange: BCA and NVBA recognize the importance of cultural exchange in fostering international understanding and sportsmanship. The partnership will facilitate cross-cultural interactions and training camps to enrich the experiences of both African and Asian players and coaches.
The Way Forward
As BCA and NVBA embark on this transformative journey together, the future of badminton in Africa looks brighter than ever. This MOU signifies the dedication of both organizations to the long-term development of the sport and the empowerment of African talent.
A unified vision of excellence, growth, and collaboration is set to redefine the African badminton landscape. With a shared commitment to nurturing talent, fostering skill development, and promoting a culture of sportsmanship, BCA and NVBA are poised to elevate African badminton to new heights.
This partnership is not just about building champions on the court; it’s about creating leaders, role models, and ambassadors for the sport in Africa. As we look ahead, the world of badminton eagerly anticipates the success stories that will undoubtedly emerge from this historic collaboration between BCA and NVBA.
In the spirit of unity and shared ambition, let us celebrate this remarkable achievement and look forward to a future where African badminton takes its rightful place on the global stage. Together, BCA and NVBA are set to script a glorious chapter in the history of badminton.
The journey has begun, and the future is bright for African badminton.
Players views and Testimonies from this MOU:
Declaration from Deidre Laurens (S.Africa), Chair of BCA Athletes Commission
“As the Chair of the BCA Athletes Commission, I am delighted to express my enthusiastic endorsement of the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) and the New Vision Badminton Academy (NVBA). This collaboration promises an exciting and transformative journey for our continent’s badminton players and coaches.
One of the most significant benefits of this partnership is the access to world-class coaching and training resources for our athletes and coaches. With NVBA’s expertise, players can polish their skills, refine their techniques, and compete at international levels with increased confidence. Coaches, too, will have the opportunity to expand their knowledge and improve their coaching methodologies, ultimately benefiting the entire badminton ecosystem in Africa.
This MOU is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to enhanced opportunities and greater horizons for African athletes and coaches. It signifies the commitment of BCA and NVBA to nurture, develop, and elevate the standards of badminton in Africa.”
Georges Julien Paul, (Mauritius)
“I am thrilled to express my wholehearted support for the BCA and NVBA collaboration. This partnership signifies a pivotal moment for African badminton. It offers our athletes, including those in Mauritius and Africa, access to world-class coaching and resources, paving the way for success on the global stage. I’m optimistic about the future, envisioning a thriving African badminton community united by passion and fueled by excellence.
The potential impact of this collaboration is nothing short of remarkable. It brings forth a wealth of opportunities for African players, coaches, and enthusiasts. The expertise, training, and resources that NVBA will provide have the power to transform the lives and careers of aspiring badminton players, not only in Mauritius but also across Africa. I had the chance to train in NVBA Malaysia for a few years and I can say proudly say that it has helped me a lot to reach to the level that I am today. I applaud BCA and NVBA for their visionary partnership and look forward to the positive impact it will bring.”
Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori, (Nigeria)
Anuoluwapo Juwon Opeyori, current African Men’s Singles Champion defines this venture as A Game-Changer for African Badminton.
“As the current African Men’s Singles Champion, I am thrilled to share my thoughts on the recent partnership between the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) and the New Vision Badminton Academy (NVBA). This collaboration represents a monumental leap forward for African badminton, and I am genuinely excited about the possibilities it brings.
This partnership opens up a world of opportunities for players like me and the entire badminton community in Africa. It means access to world-class coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and international exposure that was previously beyond our reach. It levels the playing field and empowers us to compete at the highest levels with confidence. I believe this collaboration will serve as a catalyst for the growth of badminton in Africa. It will inspire the next generation of players to dream big and work hard. It’s a tremendous opportunity for African athletes to make their mark on the world stage.
I want to express my gratitude to BCA and NVBA for their forward-thinking partnership. Together, we embark on a journey filled with potential, and I am eager to see how this venture will transform the landscape of African badminton. I am committed to representing Africa with pride and excellence in every match I play, and I am confident that this partnership will help me, and my fellow athletes achieve our goals.”
Koceila Mammeri, African Mixed Doubles Champion
“As the current African Mixed Doubles Champion, I think that this collaboration has ignited a spark of hope in my pursuit of representing Africa at the Olympic Games in Paris. The potential benefits that this venture offers are truly innovative. For me, it means access to world-class coaching, unparalleled training facilities, and invaluable exposure to international competition. These resources are crucial in my quest to qualify for the Paris Olympics, a dream I’ve nurtured for years. The tournaments and trainings that I will have in Asia in collaboration with NVBA will provide me with a unique platform to improve my skills, gain vital experience, and secure the qualification points needed to compete on the world’s grandest stage. It’s an opportunity I wholeheartedly embrace.”
Coaches views and testimonies regarding the MOU
Vishal Sawaram – BWF Level 2 Coach (Mauritius)
“I am excited to share my profound experience as a badminton coach from Mauritius who had the privilege of coaching for one month at the New Vision Badminton Academy (NVBA) in Malaysia under a scholarship from BCA. This experience has not only enriched my coaching expertise but has also opened doors for coaches across Africa to sharpen their skills on an international stage.
My time at NVBA Malaysia was nothing short of transformative. The academy’s commitment to excellence, state-of-the-art facilities, and a world-class coaching team provided me with a unique learning environment. I had the opportunity to work closely with some of the best coaches in the Academy, absorbing their knowledge, techniques, and methodologies.
NVBA’s emphasis on player development and holistic coaching left a profound impact on me. The focus on not only refining players’ on-court skills but also nurturing their mental resilience and overall physical fitness is commendable. It’s a holistic approach that I believe can significantly benefit African players.
What’s truly exciting is the potential that this partnership between NVBA and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) offers for coaches from Africa. This collaboration can become a conduit for African coaches to experience the kind of coaching excellence that NVBA Malaysia embodies. It’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and bring back invaluable knowledge to our continent.
I wholeheartedly encourage coaches from Africa to consider the opportunities that may arise through this partnership. The chance to coach at NVBA, to learn from the best, and to contribute to the development of African badminton is one that should not be missed. I am grateful for this experience, and I believe it’s a testament to the potential growth and collaboration in African badminton.
I would like to express my deep appreciation to NVBA and BCA for making this experience possible. Together, we are paving the way for African coaches to access world-class training and bring home the expertise needed to nurture the next generation of badminton stars in Africa.”
Narcisse Simon DEYO – BWF Level 1 Coach (Benin)
“I am thrilled to share my extraordinary journey as one of the beneficiaries of the scholarship that allowed me to fine-tune my coaching skills at the New Vision Badminton Academy (NVBA) in Malaysia. This opportunity has not only been personally enriching but has also played a pivotal role in elevating the performance of the Benin badminton team.
My time at NVBA Malaysia was an unparalleled learning experience. The knowledge, expertise, and coaching methodologies I acquired during my stay were nothing short of transformative. It gave me a new perspective on how to nurture and guide young talents, instilling in them the skills, discipline, and mental fortitude required for success in badminton.
The impact of this scholarship program became evident during the Benin Internationals in 2023, where, for the first time in our history, Benin clinched medals. It was a proud moment for our nation and a testament to the effectiveness of the coaching techniques I learned at NVBA. The athletes’ improved performance reflected the world-class training and insights I was fortunate to gain.
The positive influence extended to our junior badminton players, who excelled at the Benin Junior Internationals. Their impressive performance was a clear indication that the knowledge I acquired has been passed on to the next generation of Benin’s badminton stars. It’s a source of immense pride to witness the progress our young talents have made.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to NVBA and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) for making this scholarship opportunity a reality. This partnership has not only changed my life as a coach but has also transformed the prospects of badminton in Benin. It’s a shining example of how collaboration and access to world-class coaching can propel African nations to new heights in the world of badminton.
As I look back on this incredible journey, I am filled with hope and optimism for the future of badminton in Benin and across Africa. I am committed to applying the knowledge and expertise I gained at NVBA to continue nurturing and developing our athletes. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for Benin’s badminton and Africa, and I am immensely proud to be a part of this transformational process.
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About BCA:
The Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) is the governing body for the sport of badminton in Africa. It is committed to promoting and developing badminton across the continent, fostering a love for the sport, and nurturing talented athletes.
About NVBA:
New Vision Badminton Academy (NVBA) is a renowned badminton training institution with headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and a branch in Dubai, UAE. NVBA is dedicated to providing world-class coaching and facilities to badminton players and enthusiasts, with a focus on talent development and excellence in the sport.
