Table tennis players impress inBotswana Open

Takudzwa Chitsiga

Zimpapers Sports Hub

IN a remarkable display of talent and determination, the Zimbabwe Table Tennis team raised the country’s flag high at the recently held African Union Sports Council Region Five Junior Tournament and the Phoenix Botswana Open.

The tournament showcased the promising future of table tennis that is abounding in Zimbabwe. Most of the athletes that were part of the 2024 China table tennis training camp in August managed some podium finishes.

Kundai Goremusandu brought home a bronze medal in the under-13 section and pocketed P1 500. Trust Madoro came third in the under-15 category.

Shalom Makoni from Manicaland Province came in second place in the under-15 girls’ section to pocket P2 000. Tatenda Timire was third in the same category to win 1 500 pula.

Munashe Mlaka and Brian Chamboko, who were among the players that did not take part in the previous trip to China, were knocked out in the round of 32.

Seasoned campaigner Tinotenda Fambira perished in the quarter-finals.

Zimbabwe Table Tennis Federation secretary-general Munyaradzi Duri said they are grateful for the major achievement this year.

“It has been a year of medals indeed, and we can see that our future is bright. Our efforts have been recognised and we have been selected through the Sports Commission to be part of the 2025 AUSC Region V Games.

“A long list has been compiled, and a number of coaches were tasked to work with the identified players.

“For team Zimbabwe to have tangible results in the upcoming games, we plan to engage our partners, mainly the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Zimbabwe and Musiwacho Academy for resource support,” said Duri. Noah Ferenando, president of the Zimbabwe Table Tennis Union, expressed pride in the team’s achievements and emphasised the importance of continued support for young athletes.

“These tournaments not only showcase our talent but also serve as a platform for growth and development in table tennis. We are committed to nurturing these young players for future competitions,” said Ferenando.