The national badminton team gearing up for the 17th Commonwealth Games in Manchester, from July 25 to August 4, is hopeful of putting up a good show at the 11-day championship.

Mr Shamo, Head Coach of the team told GNA sports in Accra yesterday that preparations have been excellent and all rough edges have been smoothened setting a stage for a good showdown.

A visit at the camp confirmed the coach's assertion as both the team

and its handlers of Frank Shamo and Jacob Evans Wilson were in high spirit.

Mr Shamo said although the team was aware of the presence of three of the top four Badminton countries in the world - England, Indonesia and Malaysia - the Ghanaian team could cause an upset.

"We are ready to match these dreadful three boot for boot in order to get to the medal zone," the coach said.

The five players, Noah Ayim, Issah Mohammed, Martin Owusu, Mary Ennoo and Theresa Tetteh, told the GNA in separate interviews that they are optimistic of winning medals for the country.

They said although this is their first major international assignment, they have been psyched up to meet the challenges ahead. The team will participate in both the males and female's singles and doubles.

Mary Ennoo and Theresa Tetteh would represent the country in the doubles whiles Noah Ayim and Issah Mohammed would represent the men.