In a remarkable display of talent and determination, Team Zimbabwe put up a commendable show at the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Junior Tournament and the Phoenix Botswana Open in Gaborone last week.
Zimbabwe managed to claim a total of four medals one silver and three bronze at the two tournaments that ran simultaneously at the same venue.
Kundai Goremusandu clinched a bronze medal in the Under-13 category, along with a prize of 1500 pula, a commendable performance which highlights the potential of young athletes in the country.
Similarly, Trust Madoro secured third place in the Under-15 category, including 1500 Pula in prize money.
Shalom Makoni distinguished himself by finishing in 2nd place in the Under-15 category, earning a silver medal and prize of 2000 Pula.
Tatenda Timire also made her mark by securing 3rd place in the Girls Under -15 category, bringing home another 1500 pula.
Despite these victories, some athletes faced tough competition with Munashe Mlaka exited in the quarter-finals.
The Open Men's category proved challenging, with both Brian Chamboko and Trust Madoro who were eliminated in the round of 32 and round of 16, respectively.
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Tinotenda Fambira also faced a tough match, being knocked out in the quarter-finals.
Zimbabwe Table Tennis Union president Noah Ferenando expressed pride in the team's achievements and emphasised the importance of continued support for young athletes.
"These tournaments not only showcase our talent but also serve as a platform for growth and development in table tennis. We are committed to nurturing these young players for future competitions," Ferenando said.
"As Team Zimbabwe continues to develop, the future of table tennis in the country looks promising. With the dedication of both players and coaches, the union is optimistic about achieving greater heights in upcoming tournaments."
The successes of the Zimbabwe team would not have been possible without the dedicated coaching staff namely Vimbai Makuvaza and Coach Brighton Gweru from Manicaland, who accompanied and guided the athletes throughout the tournaments.
Their expertise and support were instrumental in preparing the team for the challenges they faced.
