by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF Africa Press Officer

According to the media officer of Rwanda Table Tennis Federation, Daniel Ruziga, the team has been undergoing training under the watchful eye of Technical Director, Yves Ndizeyeas at Amahoro National Stadium and includes players who were part of the recent visit to China.

“Prominent among those selected are Patrick Masengesho, Jean Bonheur Irakiza, Jose DeborahIkirezi and HervineTumukunde; they recently completed a three months training in China” Daniel Ruziga

A total of 14 countries are expected to arrive on Thursday 29th November for the three day tournament.

In addition to Rwanda entries have been received from Somalia, Eritrea, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Sudan, Seychelles, Mauritius, Burundi, Ethiopia, Egypt, Djibouti, and Comoros. Five events are planned: Boys’ Singles, Girls’ Singles, Boys’ Doubles, Girls’ Doubles and Mixed Doubles events are scheduled.

It is major progress for the region, the driving force being John Bosco Burungi, the President of the Rwanada Table Tennis Federation.

“This will be our first biggest regional ITTF competition to be hosted in Rwanda. We also plan to organise training camps, where parents can register their children who are interested in learning and playing the game. We have a long term strategic plan, which includes developing the sport in schools, increasing the number of coaches and also increasing the number of clubs countrywide” John Bosco Burungi

The regional tournament has been sanctioned by ITTF Africa and it is being sponsored by Kenya Commercial Bank, Global Telecom, Airtel, Hotel Hilltop and Country Club, Sulof Industries, Inyange Industries, Greenhill Academy and Sunset Gardens.

Team Rwanda

Boys: Patrick Masengesho, Jean Bonheur Irakiza, Olivier Tuyishimire, Daniel Ndayishimiye, Merci Asifiweg, and GermainNiyonkuru.

Girls: RegineTwizerane, ThamarTuyikunde, Josee Deborah Ikirezi, HervineTumukunde, Kelia Chantal Hirwa, and Lea Uzaninyana.