adminBlessing Rwizi Sports Correspondent
MUTARE Teachers’ College will this weekend host the Manicaland Table Tennis Open Tournament. The tournament will run from tomorrow (Saturday) up to Sunday.
Organisers of the tournament will use it to pick players that will compete in the Zone Six tournament to be staged in December in Namibia. The Ayan Tradings-sponsored tournament will bring together a number of teams from Manicaland and Mashonaland provinces.
Teams to take part in the competition are Prince Edward, Gateway, Harare International School, Harare Girls’ High, Goromonzi, Chinese Embassy team, Mutambara, ZRP Mutare, Mutare Teachers’ College, Mutare Girls’ and Boys’ high schools, Marange High, CBZ, Stanbic Mutare and First Class Academy.
Of note, will be Zimbabwe Under-21 Close Championship title holder Vimbai Makuvaza, who turns out for First Class Academy.
Among these teams are Under-10s, 12s, 15s, 18s, 21s and open age groups.
In an interview, Manicaland Table Tennis Association technical director and player, William Machacha, said preparations for the tournament have been smooth.
“Preparations are going on well. All teams are geared up for this tournament. It is also part of talent identification, as the best players will be selected for the Zone Six Games to be played in Namibia at the end of the year,” said Muchacha.
He said teams from the eastern border province would be hoping to make good use of home advantage.
Ayan Tradings director, Nthokozo Moyo, said the tournament was open to anyone who feels he or she could make it.
“We want to raise the standards of table tennis in this country and anyone willing to participate is most welcome at no costs,” said Moyo.
Winners from all age groups will walk away with trophies, gold, silver and bronze medals.
Prizes will also be in form of cash, but the amounts are still to be finalised.
Online Reporter