Africa’s no. 1 table-tennis player, Quadri Aruna is set to renew his rivalry with Egypt’s Omar Assar when they participate at the 2023 Africa Cup in the Kenyan capital city of Nairobi between the 4th and 6th of May.
Aruna heads into the continental competition with his impressive performances across the World Table-Tennis tour across the globe and he will be seeking to avenge his 4-3 defeat to Assar in the 2022 final.
Aruna is currently ranked 12th in the world while Assar is the second-best table-tennis player in Africa and 33rd in the world.
Each participating country is expected to present two players each in men and women events while Egypt as the defending champions in men and women will nominate two players alongside the two champions.
Kenya as host will present four players each in men and women events while Brian Mutua will lead the East African team against the visitors.
President of Kenya Table-Tennis Association, Andrew Mudibo is optimistic about a hitch-free competition.
He said: “The preparation is on course and Kenya will be ready to host all delegations to the event. Yes, Kenya has started to host major events again and this is in line with our development agenda in terms of developing the local talents we have.
“In the past Kenya hosted the ITTF World Cup and we have also hosted the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships and several African events. The Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani Indoor Gymnasium, which is the venue of the event, is ready.
“Set-up for the event will be done two days before the championships kick off. The rooms at Ibis Styles where the teams will put up are ready to receive each member of the delegation.
“Kenya has put in place a fast-track visa process for all delegations coming for the event. The transport from the airport to the hotel and hotel to the venue is ready and we believe everything will run smoothly.”
