The Namibia Table Tennis Association (NTTA) says the the Arysteq Asset Management and Simonis Storm Schools Series has proved a successful avenue to identify and nurture talent.
An exciting second tournament in the series took place at the Wanderers Sports Hall in Windhoek over the weekend.
“Now in its third consecutive year, this thrilling series continues to grow, thanks to the generous support of our sponsors,” says the NTTA.
“Despite some schools being unable to participate, the turnout showcased the dedication and enthusiasm of young table tennis players.”
This year’s event attracted 48 players, with 30 junior men and 18 junior women competing across five singles categories from u11 to u19.
Caden Bosman from Deutsche Höhere Privatschule Windhoek (DHPS) provided one of the tournament highlights as he dominated in the u19 junior men’s category.
He defeated Kamrouz Ghayouri (St Paul’s College) 2-0 to claim his second consecutive victory of the series.
Similarly, schoolmate Lian Gebauer delivered a flawless performance, defeating Cadence Farmer in straight sets to secure her second win of the season in the u19 junior women section. Gebauer displayed immense determination as she bids to defend her 2023 and 2024 titles.
Farmer turned the tables on Gebauer, defeating her in straight sets to claim u17 junior women honours. She also triumphed in the u15 junior women category, defeating Suverasaneje Ikorua (Concordia College) in straight sets.
On her part, Ikorua impressed all and sundry by eliminating current national team players en route to the final, underlining her potential for the national team.
In the u15 and u17 junior men’s categories Kamrouz Ghayouri and Agape Chicalu, both from St Paul’s College, went head-to-head in two gripping finals. Ghayouri emerged victorious in both categories, showcasing his exceptional talent at just 14 years old.
“Notably, all finalists and semifinalists in the u17 and u19 categories played up in higher age groups, underscoring their exceptional development and skill levels,” the NTTA says.
The u13 junior men honours went to Fillemon Ikanda of Olof Palme Primary School, securing the title by defeating his schoolmate Nataneal Delai in straight sets.
The NTTA believes Delai’s steady improvement and passion for the game make him a player to watch in future tournaments.
Another promising Olof Palme Primary School pupil is Ester Nelenge, who dominated the u13 junior women category, defeating Sylvi Ikanda of Hillside Primary School to claim her second consecutive tournament victory.
Nelenge secured another win in the u11 junior women section, with Sylvi Ikanda the runner-up, continuing her rise in the rankings.
In the u11 junior men’s category Terence Kadandara (St Paul’s College) claimed the championship, with Tangi Haufiku (Olof Palme Primary School) claiming the runner-up spot.
“A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the players, officials, parents, teachers, coaches and the tournament management team for their invaluable contributions. Special thanks to Wanderers Sports Club and our sponsors for their unwavering support,” the NTTA states.
The date for the third tournament will be announced within the next two weeks, the organisers say.
Players can register through their respective schools, provided the school is registered with the NTTA, or they can register directly with the NTTA. For more information, contact Theo Beukes at 085 749 3863 or email info.ntta@gmail.com
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