by Ian Marshall, ITTF Publications Editor
A most dedicated group, the course members represented the various districts of the country and a wide diversity of backgrounds; teachers, police officers and community leaders were all in evidence.
However there was one common factor, all 22 students of whom five were female, responded to the efforts of Ahmed Dawlatly. Impressively, a one hundred per cent attendance was witnessed. Nine coaches met the required level and now need to complete the required 30 hours of coaching in order to gain certification.
“Zimbabwe is known for its dramatic landscape and diverse wildlife, much of it within parks, reserves and safari areas. On the Zambezi River, the Victoria Falls make a thundering 108 metre drop into the narrow Batoka Gorge, where there’s white-water rafting and bungee-jumping. Harare is situated in the north-east of the country in the heart of historic Mashonaland, the city has an estimated population of 1,606,000, with 2,800,000 in its metropolitan area”, Ahmed Dawlatly
Additional to conducting the course, Ahmed Dawlatly met Joseph Muchechetere, the Director of Sports and Recreation Commission, the local organisers. Furthermore, they proved splendid administrators, working alongside members of the Zimbabwe Table Tennis Union in order to realise a most worthwhile course. John Muringani (President), Celso Riberio (General Secretary), Newman Gomendo (Technical Director) all combined to ensure matters were organised in a most efficient manner.
“What a very successful course it was. The camp was made live by the ITTF expert Ahmed. The participants enjoyed every moment and they have learned a lot. The children had a wonderful two days with Ahmed; I personally hope and believe this course is the beginning of good table tennis in Zimbabwe”, John Muringani
Well organised and also there was a sense of ambition; John Muringani was quite clear that while the ITTF/PTT Level One Course was the focal point, he wanted to look beyond those horizons.
“The ITTF/PTT Level One was an eye opener in the development of table tennis in the country all the coaches thank Mr. Dawlatly and the ITTF for this great course, the real work for all the coaches is now beginning”, Newman Gomendo.
Coach education over, next on the list was an intensive two day training camp which 12 young players attended; the youngest participant being Jayden Crocco, only eight years old. He impressed in what was an impressive group.
“Special thanks to Mr. Celso Riberio, the well-known soldier behind the success of this event in Harare-Zimbabwe”, Ahmed Dawlatly
A successful venture with new coaches ready to accept the challenge; nine coaches met the necessary standards and now must complete 30 more hours of coaching in order to gain certification.
