As the ITTF World Table Tennis Championships Finals Durban 2023 approaches, African players are gearing up for their last-dress rehearsal at the Africa Cup in Nairobi, Kenya. The tournament, which takes place from 4 to 6 May at the Moi International Sports Centre, will see players from across the continent showcase their talent and compete with each other as they prepare to take on the world’s best at the marquee event in Durban from 20 to 28 May.  

This year, the Africa Cup has added significance as it is also the year where Africa will host the biggest event on the table tennis sporting stage for the first time in 84 years. President of the Kenya Table Tennis Association, Andrew Mudibo, expressed his delight at helping the African players prepare for the ITTF World Championships Finals, highlighting the importance of hosting international tournaments for the development of the sport in the continent.  

“Hosting the Africa Cup allows us to highlight our rich heritage and culture in Kenya, and I am proud to showcase to the world that Africa has what it takes to host world-class events. I am sure this will be the case with the ITTF World Championships Finals later this month, which South Africa will be hosting. Africa as a continent has come a long way in terms of competitiveness. Through these events, we hope that our players will eventually be able to match up to the best players from the rest of the world. If we can produce more up and rising players like Egypt’s Hana Goda of Egypt, the future of table tennis will be a bright one for Africa.” — Andrew Mudibo 

The Africa Cup will bring together the best African players to compete for one of the most prestigious continental titles before they meet the world’s best players in May. A total of 11 participating players of the Africa Cup also qualified for the ITTF World Championships Finals, including defending champions of the Men’s and Women’s Singles titles respectively, Omar Assar (World #34) and Hana Goda (World #36). Other players within the Top 50 World Rankings are Quadri Aruna (World #12) and Dina Meshref (World #26).

ITTF President Petra Sörling is present in Nairobi to witness the action and meet with the African table tennis family.  

“The Africa Cup is a momentous continental event, and this year’s edition holds even more significance as it precedes the historic World Championships, the first one hosted in Africa in over eight decades. With the eyes of the table tennis world on Africa this month, the excitement in the air is palpable. I am thrilled to see Africa take centre stage and showcase its passion and talent for the sport.” — Petra Sörling 

The Africa Cup promises to be a tantalising event, and fans can find information, results, and schedules for the tournament on ITTF Africa’s website.