My name is Donald Mabo and I am the head coach at Smash Badminton Academy. Above all I am the National Coach of Badminton Zambia. Growing up in Zambia, Badminton quickly became more for me than just a hobby. In my 19 years of being an active player I won many titles, became a member of the Zambian National Team and developed the skills I need to train the next generation of badminton players.

Some achievements during my active career:

  • Distinguished as fallower of International Olympic Committee in Athlete Career Programme and BWF Shuttle Time Tutor (2013)
  • Member of the Zambian National Team for 19 years
  • Gold medal in Kenyan International Series in the mixed doubles event (2014)
  • National Champion for four years with a top ranking of 275 in the world
  • Silver medal in the men’s doubles at the Botswana International future series (2018)
  • National Head Coach: Zambia Badminton Association from 2018 to date
  • Head coach for the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC) for four consecutive years. The only high-performance centres in the southern region of Africa
    Holder of a national record of 13 medals in continental games
  • Participation in tournaments in more than 30 countries on all five continents

As a dedicated and passionate trainer, it is my goal to give every person the opportunity to achieve his/her full potential – be it on the field or in life. As part of this I am committed to promote badminton in Zambia, Africa and the world as a sport that supports the physical development of young people with a minimum risk of injuries. I believe, that playing badminton and believing in one’s own development can make the difference in a persons development from a kid to successful adult.

If I am not on the badminton court, I spend time playing guitar, writing songs, watching movies, learning languages and trying hard not to be the worst snooker player in my community club. I live in Lusaka, Zambia and currently work as the head coach for Smash Badminton Academy.