The Chronicle
Innocent Kurira, Sports Reporter
THE 2022 Squash Federation of Africa Seniors Championships that had been slated for next month have been deferred to November after the initially placed dates clashed with the Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo that will be held in Bulawayo October 13-15 October.
The championships were meant to run in the city from October 14-21.
Lucky Mlilo, the Squash Africa Federation president, in a communiqué sent out on Wednesday said the championships will now be held from November 4-11.
“The initial dates for the tournament clashed with the Sanganai/Hlanganani Tourism Expo that will be held in the city and attracts thousands of visitors to the City of Bulawayo and this would have meant Immigration authorities would have to balance their attention between the needs of both sets of travellers. As for accommodation, we had secured blocked bookings but with another event on hand, security deposits for the bookings were needed,” said Mlilo.
“We still have five countries that had confirmed participation but had not yet submitted the entry forms due to various reasons. Egypt had also asked for a deferment as they have players participating in some PSA tournaments.”
Mlilo said they were working round the clock to ensure the competition is a success when it eventually takes place.
“The Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders are working hard to ensure we have a successful tournament. I am glad to advise that our main accommodation hotels have confirmed that the new dates are clear and we have made fresh blocked bookings. As for the countries that have not yet sent in the entry forms, kindly do so by Monday 26 September 2022,” said Mlilo.
The tournament will be graced by the World Squash Federation senior officials with the president Zena Wooldridge from England and chief executive officer, Frenchman William Louis-Marie expected to jet into the country for the event.
Zena Wooldridge
Suburbs Squash Club, Old Miltonians Club, Christian Brothers College and Holiday Inn are the venues for the championships.
Holiday Inn will host the finals since their squash courts can accommodate a huge crowd.
The tournament was last held in Namibia in 2013 when it was called All Africa Seniors Championships.
The All Africa Juniors Championships were last held in 2015 in Botswana. – @innocentskizoe
Source: https://www.chronicle.co.zw/squash-championships-deferred-to-november/