Solomon Mutasa
The regional Four Nations Table Tennis tournament which had been set for Prince Edward School in Harare next month has been postponed to later this year.
The hosting federation is facing a serious financial crisis but such woes are not new to the sport’s followers as two years ago, the Malawian event was also called off a few weeks before the date.

The competition has not been staged since then as it was put on hold by Zambia last year following the death of former president Frederick Chiluba.
However, the Zimbabwe Table Tennis Federation president John Muringani insisted that they would host the prestigious tournament this year.
Muringani, when contacted last week, said they were still working out new dates.

“Our stumbling block has been the financial aspect which has left us with no choice but to postpone the tournament, but I’m very positive that we are eventually going to host the four teams. The hosting nation is expected to provide everything for the visitors, so you see how difficult the situation is, but we are working flat out to try and source the necessary sponsorship,” he said.

In 2009, Tanzania were victorious while Zimbabwe finished third with top player Brian Chamboko scooping a gold medal among other silverwares.
Meanwhile, the Botswana national team who beat Zimbabwe 3-2 in a friendly international at Prince Edward School last year is back in the country to face Matabeleland at the Senior Masters Open which is set to revive the sport on the southern end.
Said Muringani:

“The Botswana national side alongside some local sides will play against Matabeleland teams over the weekend as we are undertaking a revival drive for table tennis in the region.”