Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
A TEAM of 10 junior table tennis athletes – nine from Mutare and one from Harare – represented Zimbabwe at the prestigious South African Regional Open Tournament held in Durban.
Competing against top-tier players from Southern African countries, the youngsters delivered a performance that captured the attention of spectators, and made the nation proud.
The team, composed of athletes from various table tennis clubs across Mutare and one player from Harare, was sponsored by Solomon Musiwacho, with additional support from their parents. The delegation was under the guidance of experienced coaches, Vimbai Nicole Makuvaza and Tapuwa Chitambo, who mentored the athletes throughout the tournament.
Team Zimbabwe Athletes comprised Under-11 girls’ duo of Princess Tichiwangani and Prudence “Point” Pashi, Under-11 boys’ duo of Makomborero Maposa and Israel Gweru, Under-13 boys, Plan Pashi and Harare-based Oswald Kundai Goremusando, Under-17 boys’ trio of Michael Tino Madiwa, Professor Mwatsika, Trust Madoro.
The highlight of the tournament came in the Under-11 girls’ doubles category, where Tichiwangani and Pashi displayed remarkable teamwork, composure, and technical skill to claim gold.
Their outstanding coordination and determination saw them dominate the category and stand proudly at the winner’s podium.
In the singles category, both Pashi and Tichiwangani continued to impress, advancing beyond the group stages into the knockout rounds.
Pashi exited in the quarterfinals, but Tichiwangani powered through and clinched bronze.
Makuvaza said: “Team Zimbabwe performed admirably well across all age groups (U11, U13, U15, and U17), with most athletes advancing past the group stages and into the knockout rounds.
“Several reached the Round of 16 and quarterfinals, demonstrating, not only talent, but also the rising standard of table tennis in Zimbabwe.”
Manicaland Table Tennis Association (MTTA) chairman, Peter Mkandi, said: “This is a sign of bright future for Zimbabwe table tennis. The success at this regional tournament, not only brought medals home, but also raised the flag high for Zimbabwean junior table tennis.
“The experience has undoubtedly laid a strong foundation for the young players’ future growth and development in the sport. As MTTA, we are making great efforts in spreading the sport throughout the province We are encouraging heads of schools to form academies or clubs which will participate in organised tournaments.”
Other Zimbabwean participants, Madoro reached the Round of 32, while Mwatsika exited in the Round of 64.
Michael Tino Madiwa, Kundai Goremusando, Plan Pashi, Makomborero Maposa, and Israel Gweru all advanced to the Round of 16, but were eventually eliminated by some of South Africa’s top-ranked junior players.
Remarked coach Makuvaza: “I am incredibly proud of all our athletes. They demonstrated exceptional skill and heart, competing against some of the toughest opponents in the region.
“Reaching the knockout stages and winning medals is a clear sign that Zimbabwean table tennis is on the rise. This tournament provided invaluable exposure, and I believe it is just the beginning for these juniors.”
