Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA) president Robert Jjagwe hands over trophies, certificates and cash to champions Sharif Nsereko and Janat Nantambi (right) at Buganda Road Primary School | Credit: David Isabirye

Overview:

A total of 138 players were engaged in the interesting day-long TTX School Fees Tens (12 & under) organized by the Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA).

2023 TTX School Fees Tena Championship (12 & Under):

Finals:

  • Boys:  Joseph Ssebatindira (Nakasero) 0-2 Sharif Nsereko (Nakasero)
  • Girls: Patricia Nasirumbi (Nakasero) 1-2 Janat Nantambi (Nakasero)

Most Valuable Players (MVP):

  • Boys: Darren Alijuna (Buganda Road Primary School)
  • Girls: Jeira Ssekweyama (Buganda Road Primary School)

The first edition of the TTX School Fees Tena 12 & under Table Tennis championship was successfully concluded at Buganda Road Primary School on Saturday, 28th January 2023.

A total of 138 players were engaged in the interesting day-long event organized by the Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA).

The diiferent players show off their certificates of participation after the 2023 TTX school fees championship | Credit: David Isabirye

Nakasero Primary School duo of Sharif Nsereko and Janat Nantambi won the boys’ and girls’ respective overall gongs.

Nsereko overcame fellow Nakasero schoolmate Joseph Ssebatindira 2-0 winning 11-07 and 11-06.

Sharif Nsereko (left) against Joseph Ssebantindira in the boys’ final | Credit: David Isabirye

“It is humbling to win this championship. I prepared well and was determined to play well. I thank my parents and coaches” Nsereko, a P.6 pupil told the media.

Nantambi recovered from a set slip to beat Patricia Nasirumbi, another Nakasero player 2-1 (09-11, 11-12, 11-05).

Janat Nantambi in action against Patricia Nasirumbi during the girl’s final | Credit: David Isabirye
Janat Nantambi (left) and Patricia Nasirumbi pose with the referee after girl’s final | Credit: David Isabirye

“When l lost the first set, I did not lose focus. I had it in mind that I would recover to win the game. I am happy to have won it at the end of the day” Nantambi revealed.

The four finalists each got a trophy, certificate and school fees worth Shs 500,000 per person.

All the four finalists in the TTX School fees Tena championship | Credit: David Isabirye

Most Valuable Players (MVP):

Buganda Road Primary School duo of Darren Alijuna (boys) and Jeira Ssekweyama (girls) were the most valuable players of the tournament.

A number of schools and teams took part in this day-long championship.

These included hosts Buganda Road Primary School, Twinbrook primary school, St Bernard Primary school, Bugishu Junior School, Nakasero Primary school and Nsambya Primary school.

Two slum ping pong clubs from Iganga and Nsambya also took part as well as Mbogo Club.

UTTA president Robert Jjagwe during media interface | Credit: David Isabirye

Uganda Table Tennis Association president Robert Jjagwe was full of praise for the players and teams that graced this event, saluting the hosts (Buganda Road Primary School) and officials (UTTA administrators and umpires).

Jjagwe hailed the top performers and all the other participants for the brevity.

He boldly stated that the initiative of the TTX school fees Tena championship was to appreciate the junior players and parents’ effort in developing the game of Table Tennis starting with the non-spinning version (TTX).

Robert Jjagwe addresses the participants moments before prize giving | Credit: David Isabirye

The TTX version of Table Tennis helps the players especially the starters to enjoy and learn the game. The 2023 school fees Tena championship was to appreciate the players and parents who have sacrificed for the game.

Robert Jjagwe, Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA) president

Focus and attention will now switch to the 2023 Mbale open (2nd to 4th February) before the first ever national league will smash off on Sunday, 5th February 2023.

The spacious Buganda Road Primary school arena hosted the 2023 TTX School Fees Tena championship | Credit: David Isabirye
The top performers pose for a group photo with officials | Credit: David Isabirye

David Isabirye is a senior staff writer for Kawowo Sports where he covers most of the major events.

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