KTTA to use ranking system in selections

By Oscar Pilipili

Kenya Table Tennis Association (KTTA) will use ranking system to select national team for All Africa Games.

Secretary General Andrew Mudibo said the federation will select seven points earning tournaments to be played across the country and the top players qualify for the games scheduled for August in Mozambique.

"We shall merit the ranking at the end of the selected tournaments and pick the best for the games," Mudibo said.

"The number of players to form the teams will depend on slots the local organising committee will dish out to the sport," he added.

The official also indicated that KTTA will include juniors in the team for All Africa Games.

"The best way to maintain a sport is to expose juniors at competitive international tournaments as this help to prepare them well for the future," he said.

According to the official, the final team will be selected in time to allow proper preparations for the multi-disciplined games.

Kenya’s best show at the quadrennial event has been a quarterfinal placing in team event when the quartet of Fahd Daim, Derrick Inyanje, Anthony Mathenge and Victor Ouko represent the country in 2004 Abuja. Mudibo is optimistic Kenya will improve on the results this occasion.

"I’ve no doubt that the selection criteria will provide the best players for All Africa Games," said Mudibo.

At the same time, KTTA will involve paralympians in all its competitions starting this season. Paralympians previously used to organise own contests under Kenya National Paralympic Committee. "The change are in line with our new policy to integrate paralympians in all our functions," Mudibo told FeverPitch in Nairobi yesterday.