Aruna, Assar to renew rivalry as African Cup begins in Kasarani May 4

Quadri Aruna of Nigeria. (Photo: ITTF)

Quadri Aruna and Omar Assar will again take their rivalry to Nairobi, Kenya, when the 2023 Africa Cup holds from May 4 to 6 at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Kenya.

Aruna, who was forced by injury to concede the title in 2022 to Assar at 4-3, will be hoping to reclaim the crown following his recent form at tournaments across the globe.

Currently number 12 in the world, Aruna is the highest ranked African in the world, while Assar, at 33, is the second best rated African. Current African best ranked woman, Dina Meshref, is at present in fine form. She will be up against compatriot and defending champion, Hana Goda, who claimed her first continental title in Lagos last year.

Every 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. Already, organisers of the tournament, Kenya Table Tennis Association (KTTA), have assured participants of a top class event, having staged the same competition in 2018.

The Africa Club Championships will precede the Africa Cup, but both tournaments would serve as dress rehearsals for the first World Championships to be staged in Africa in 84 years, which is due to hold in Durban, South Africa from May 20 to 28.

KTTA President, Andrew Mudibo, has no iota of doubt that Kenya is ready to host Africa. “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