Uganda’s national table tennis team has left for Gaborone, Botswana, to compete in the Hopes (Under 11) & Youth (Under 15 & 19) Championships. The team departed on Monday, July 8, 2024, at 2:45 AM aboard Ethiopian Airlines, heading to the Botswana capital via Addis Ababa.
The Championships will be preceded by an ITTF High Level Training Camp from July 9-13, 2024. The Hopes Championship will take place on July 14, followed by the Youth Championships from July 15-21, 2024.
The team comprises officials Alvin Katumba (Coach & Head of Delegation) and Kisakye Monica (International Umpire), alongside players Nasirumbi Patra, Anyango Patience, Mirembe Judith, Ankunda Samuel, Sebatindira Joseph, and Nsereko Sharif.
Except for Samuel Ankunda, who will only compete in the Youth Championships, all players will participate in both the Hopes and Youth Championships.
The Hopes Championship, the climax of the Africa Continental Hopes Challenge, will feature winners and runners-up from five African regions, with the top performers qualifying for the World Hopes Championship in Paraguay this November.
The Ugandan Hopes players earned their spots through national and regional championships. Notably, Judith Mirembe received a wildcard entry to join the team, thanks to support from the African Table Tennis Federation (ATTF).
Contributions from Mark Winter and Mary Musoke have been instrumental in providing equipment, coaching, and other necessary support to the players.
The team boasts the reigning Under 11 World Champion, Sir Joseph Sebatindira, and his brother, Sharif Nsereko. The girls’ team, led by talented players Anyango Patience, Nasirumbi Patra, and Judith Mirembe, is also expected to deliver impressive performances.
Training under Coaches Iddi Wotsosi and Isaac, the team is well-prepared and equipped with new rubbers. Fans can look forward to watching the games live-streamed, as the team competes on an international stage.
For three players, this journey marks their first time flying out of Uganda, highlighting the opportunities their talent and hard work have afforded them.
The Ugandan team is optimistic about achieving remarkable results and representing their country with pride in Botswana.
