Zimbabwe Table Tennis Union (ZTTU) president Noah Ferenando is brimming with pride and gratitude as the country prepares to host the Southern Africa Regional Championships next month.
The event will double as the African Championship qualifier, marking the first time Zimbabwe has staged the tournament since 1995.
After a 31-year wait, Harare will once again welcome 10 nations to the Glen City Retreat.
Ferenando noted that the journey to this point would not have been possible without the backing of the government and the Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC).
"We are grateful to the Sport and Recreation Commission; they have been instrumental in our preparatory journey.
“They have helped us tie up loose ends, and we are now good to go," Ferenando told The Sports Hub.
"Thanks to the Government of Zimbabwe for according us the opportunity to host these games".
The ZTTU president spoke on the sidelines of a "come-and-play" activation at Joina City in the heart of Harare’s central business district—an event designed to drum up public interest ahead of the regional showpiece.
With national coach Liping Wang in attendance, Ferenando described the atmosphere as "electric," noting the strong public turnout.
He stated that the union has been thorough in its preparations, having already completed two training camps with two further sessions scheduled.
"We don't want to be participants; we want to actually have a podium finish. We cannot host and not get a medal on our home soil," he said.
Ferenando also praised the private sponsors who have stepped in to make the championships viable, revealing that entry to the event will be free of charge for the public.
He added that the union is working on transport arrangements to ferry supporters to the venue.
"My message, particularly to our sponsors, is: bravo, I salute you. Thank you so much for supporting Team Zimbabwe," he said.
"Come and support your team; come and support your motherland."