South Africa Assert Team Dominance in Windhoek
The ITTF Africa South Regional Championships concluded on July 14 in Windhoek, Namibia, with South Africa reinforcing their regional supremacy in both team events against strong competition from Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Eswatini, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
South Africa’s men powered through the team competition with authority, securing a commanding 3-1 victory over Angola in the final. The depth and quality of their squad proved decisive as they dominated the knockout rounds to reclaim their regional crown.
The women’s team proved equally impressive, delivering a comprehensive 3-0 sweep over Angola in the final. Led by experienced campaigner Danisha Patel and rising star Rochica Sonday, South Africa demonstrated the perfect blend of experience and youth that could prove crucial on the Road to London.
Nigeria Reclaim West African Team Titles
Just as South Africa was celebrating in Windhoek, Nigeria seized their opportunity to reclaim regional dominance on home soil at the ITTF Africa West Regional Championships in Lagos. Competing against Ghana, Benin Republic, Guinea, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Burkina Faso, Nigeria’s teams delivered commanding performances throughout the four-day championship.
The men’s team returned with renewed determination after narrowly losing their 2024 title to Togo. Playing at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, the trio of Matthew Kuti, Taiwo Mati, and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai proved unstoppable. Despite dropping just one set in the group stage to Côte d’Ivoire, they powered through the knockout rounds to secure a commanding 3-0 victory over the same opponents in the final.
Nigeria’s women completed the perfect weekend with an equally impressive display, successfully defending their title with a flawless tournament run. The team energised supporters from across the region whilst demonstrating the depth of talent that has made Nigeria a consistent force in African table tennis.
Both championships also featured strong individual performances, with Kuti and Ajoke Ojomu claiming the singles titles in Lagos, whilst Luke Abrahams and Patel secured the honours in Windhoek.
Continental Championships Beckon
Both regional championships served as crucial qualifiers for the African Championships, scheduled for October 12-19 in Kigali, Rwanda. The team performances across both tournaments highlighted the rising standard of competition throughout the continent, with Ferdinand Sounou, Vice President of ITTF Africa West Region, praising the organisational excellence and elevated level of play.
“This year’s tournament in Lagos was a resounding success,” Sounou observed. “The quality of organisation and the elevated standard of play were impressive. Compared to previous editions, which were often dominated by a few countries, this year showed remarkable improvement across the board.”
Road to London
As the continental championships approach, these regional qualifiers represent the crucial foundation for Africa’s journey to the historic London 2026 World Championships. The team performances from South Africa and Nigeria, alongside competitive displays from Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, and other regional powers, demonstrate that Africa will arrive in Kigali with genuine strength in depth.
With the centenary World Championships representing the ultimate team prize, these regional champions have taken the first vital steps on their Road to London, where table tennis will celebrate 100 years since its inaugural World Championships in the very same city.
