Excitement Intensifies ahead of national trials 

The Kenya Table Tennis Association (KTTA) has introduced a revamped qualification process to determine the players who will represent the country in major international events.

Fahd Daim, the Secretary-General of KTTA, outlined a three-phase approach for the trials to select both Senior and Junior national team players.

The initial phase involves branch qualification, where players must register as members. This stage is scheduled for the weekend of January 28, 2024. The subsequent national trials, featuring qualifiers from KTTA Branches, will take place in Nairobi from February 2-4. The top 10 Men, top 10 Ladies, and the top 10 Juniors (Boys and Girls categories) emerging from these trials will form the national team pool for the period from 2024 to the next set of trials.

Players making it to the national team pool must maintain regular practice to secure their positions. The new format aims to inject excitement and competitiveness into the process, emphasizing that being in the national pool requires continuous efforts to stay in top form.

The branch qualification involves two stages, including a group stage and a round-robin format for group leaders. The top two Men, two Ladies, and two juniors in each category from the branch level will qualify for the national trials.

Monthly round-robin training events within the national team pool will determine player positions, and the rankings will be used to select the national team for international events. The wildcard policy allows for only one wildcard, and the inclusion of junior players in the national team will continue to facilitate the transition of senior players.

The selection of Junior players will follow the same format, with coaches agreeing on a monthly training program. The trials will adhere to ITTF Rules and Regulations.

Notable players expected to participate include Brian Mutua, who is returning from overseas training in Denmark under the Olympic Solidarity program, along with Josiah Wandera and Lisa Wele.