In what must have been the most improved performance by any of the affiliates participating at the SA Table Tennis National Championships held in Oudtshoorn during the September school holidays, Gauteng North impressed by bringing home no less than ten medals in 28 different categories contested.

Compared to the 2018 instalment held in Secunda, where the union’s total medal tally was only two, there was much cause for celebration and ample reason to be optimistic about the prospect of Gauteng North once again becoming a powerhouse in the amateur sport.

“We focused on results in the 2019 tournament through proper coaching and preparation,” said Martin Beyers, president of GNTTB, when asked what he thought the cause was for the vast improvement in results.

He praised the efforts of coaching pair Omar Zain Eddin and Zodwa Maphanga, whom both also led from the front in the men’s and ladies team events.

According to Beyers, another factor that cannot be highlighted enough, was the loyal commitment from parents and family support structures alike spending a lot of time next to the courts, whether it be at regional or super-regional tournaments, coaching sessions or GN trials to allow the players enough playing time in preparation for the SA’s.

He said it also helped that there was a more active local calendar, which featured both Junior and Senior Gauteng North Open events, a Gauteng Central vs Gauteng North friendly, and Junior Trials.

“Many of our players also supported The Arnold Classic’s open event in Sandton, and the Free State Open held in Bloemfontein. Most of the juniors are now participating in the senior leagues hosted by GNTTB, which gives them invaluable match experience,” Beyers explained.

The whole team also went through a focused training process for one month before traveling to Oudtshoorn.

Beyers also praised the great team spirit and players of all age groups supporting their teammates in their matches. He believes all these were factors contributed to a very successful campaign.

Anybody looking for more information on table tennis can visit www.gnttb.co.za  or www.facebook.com/OfficialGautengNorthTableTennis/.

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