The Zimbabwe Table Tennis Union (ZTTU), in partnership with the African Union Sports Council (AUSC), will host the Region 5 Table Tennis Tournament from July 10 to 12 in Harare this year.
Set to be staged Glen City in Harare, the international event will bring regional competitors from different countries including Mozambique, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Angola and Zimbabwe.
ZTTU president, Noah Ferenando, confirmed that this will be the first edition of the tournament which the country is hosting in 30 years.
"This is a highly anticipated event, that marks the first time Zimbabwe has hosted such an event or tournament since 1995,”Ferenando said.
"The competition is expected to showcase some of the best players in the region and we are doing this to foster not only sportsmanship but also to camaraderie amongst the nations in preparation for this event".
Preparations for the tournament are already underway as Zimbabwe begins the process of selecting a national team to compete in the regional championship. Athletes from all ten provinces have been invited to participate in trials and observation sessions conducted by national coaches.
Team Zimbabwe will have trials in three cities, namely Harare, Mutare, and Bulawayo, and then the final team will be chosen.
"We are going through our selection process to come up with the best possible team that is going to represent us as a country and this is a rigorous activity that is designed to ensure that only the most dedicated athletes are going to represent the country,” Ferenando said.
"We have the athletes that are drawn from all the 10 provinces that are invited to compete for a spot in the team which is going to be done through national ranking, current performance, observation from coaches, the disciplinary records of the athletes and national trials."
ZTTU vice president and chairperson of the local organising committee, Fungai Matanhara, also noted strong regional interest in the upcoming competition.
"As the local organising committee we are now in constant communication with the county presidents and representatives of the 9 countries that we are expecting. All the participating countries have already started training as well as team selection,”Matanhara said.
According to Matanhara, the championship is expected to be both exciting and professionally organised as the organisers have engaged expert service providers and experienced officials to ensure the smooth running of the games.
"Competitors and spectators should look forward to an exciting and well organised championship as we are partnering expert service providers and officials to run the games"
Moreover, supporters who book into the games village at Glen City will enjoy a full experience of table tennis and outdoor recreation in Zimbabwe.
In addition to the matches, visitors will have access to various activities such as quad biking, canoeing, archery, traditional games, cycling and zip lining, among other attractions.
"We are happy to advise that Glen City has enough space for our supporters to book into the Games Village and get a full experience. Apart from the games they will also have other attractions such as quad bikes, canoeing, archery, traditional games, bikes, zip line and much more", Matanhara said.
Ferenando added that Zimbabwe’s participation in the AUSC Region 5 Table Tennis tournament will help strengthen competition and promote the growth of the sport across the region.
The partnership with the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 also brings an important community and business dimension to the event. Organisers believe the tournament will create opportunities for local communities by attracting visitors from neighbouring countries.
"Region 5 tournament is expected to have a significant economic and social impact to the country on the local community by attracting visitors from neighboring countries..., will not only elevate the profile of Zimbabwes' tennis but also foster tourism and local business opportunities," Ferenando said.
He concluded by encouraging athletes, supporters and stakeholders to look forward to a memorable sporting event that will leave a lasting legacy for Zimbabwe.
"As the tournament draws closer, we are also excited to build among prospective athletes, fans and stakeholders, something that is memorable, that is going to leave a legacy to the country,” Ferenando added.
"As Zimbabwe we look forward to welcoming the world of table tennis and uniting nations through sports and setting the stage for future growth and development in the game.
"Region 5 tournament promises to be celebration of talent, community and spirit of competition."