Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
The Zimbabwe Table Tennis union (ZTTU) has appointed experienced Chinese coach Wang Liping as senior men’s national team coach in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s preparations for the upcoming Southern African Region 5 games.
In a statement, ZTTU National Technical Director Richard Shumba said Wang’s appointment is with immediate effect and will see him spearheading the national team’s technical development.
“It is with sporting pleasure that I, on behalf of ZTTU, announce the coming on board of coach Wang Liping to the ZTTU technical team as Senior Men’s Coach,” he said.
Shumba said Wang has vast experience and the coach brings a rich background from his years working in China, one of the world’s leading table tennis nations.
“Coach Wang has a very rich table tennis history from his coaching years in China and his involvement in Zimbabwe through voluntary coaching sessions with different but limited athletes,” he said.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for Zimbabwe, which is set to host the Southern African Region 5 Games in July 2026, placing added pressure on the national team to perform well on home soil.
Shumba said Wang’s immediate mandate will be to guide the men’s team through intensive preparations for the regional showcase.
“His immediate task is guiding our national team in preparation for the Southern African Region 5 Games that we will be hosting this July,” he said.
Shumba said ZTTU believes Wang’s technical approach will complement the team’s current playing style and elevate performance levels.
“His ‘attacking coaching philosophy’ will indeed bring flair and improvement to the already same approach that the team is building upon,” he said.
Zimbabwe has been working to reassert itself on the regional table tennis scene, and the arrival of Wang is expected to inject fresh ideas and discipline into the squad.
The association expressed optimism that the new coach’s expertise will translate into positive results, particularly as the country seeks to capitalise on home advantage during the Region 5 games.
“Wishing him all the best. Welcome, coach,” Shumba said.
