Byo boasts of table tennis talent
BULAWAYO province is promising to flourish with talent in table tennis after a fairly impressive show at the recently held National Youth Games.
Even though the Bulawayo provincial team did not win any gold medal in table tennis, the players displayed brave and quality performances from both male and female participants, since it was the team’s first time participating in the major event.
“Overall the performance of the team was overwhelming in both the Under-18 and Under23 categories for males and females at the national youth games, since it was the first time Bulawayo participated in the sporting discipline”, said Bulawayo provincial team manager Luba Ndlovu.
“All of our teams reached the knock-out phases of the competitions playing against top-ranked teams and individuals in the country, which demonstrates the calibre of players we have,” he added.
The Under-18 boys’ team was knocked out in the semi-finals, while their female counterparts reached the quarter-finals. In the Under-23 women’s team event the Bulawayo provincial side won two bronze medals in the doubles and women.
“The future is promising for table tennis players in Bulawayo and we hope to train schools from primary up to tertiary institution level. To develop table tennis in the province we are seeking partners in sponsorship to attain the proper equipment as tables, bats, nets and balls,” he said.
Trymore Ncube, the Under-23 coach for the women’s team told the Sunday News that the Bulawayo province lost due to lack of experience in the sport but managed to match up to their opponents.
“Actually there is great talent in the province that it will soon be recognised as a powerhouse in the sport, but the challenge is acquiring sponsorship and equipment for training our players,” he said.
Meanwhile, Queens Sports Club in the city will officially open a table tennis section and as well as a club on 16 September.
The Bulawayo provincial team will also participate in the Midlands Open Table Tennis Tournament hosted by Midlands State University at the end of the month.