Junior table tennis stars seek funding for nationals

Nine junior athletes from the Lenasia Table Tennis Association (LTTA) NPO were selected to represent Johannesburg at the National Table Tennis Championships in Durban in October.

Among these talented players, two 16-year-olds from Chiawelo, Manqoba Nyamate and Awande Zulu, are appealing to the community and local businesses for financial help to facilitate their participation in the champs.

These dedicated athletes earned their spots because of exceptional performances, establishing themselves as Soweto’s rising stars.

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Nyamate began his table tennis journey in 2022 at Isipho Primary School. Demonstrating rapid progress, he qualified for the District and Provincial School Summer Games in his inaugural year.

His notable achievements include reaching the semi-finals at the Raiders Junior Championships and the Ekurhuleni Open, as well as the quarter-finals at the Johannesburg and MTTC Opens. In 2025, he was selected through the Johannesburg Table Tennis Association (JTTA) trials to represent the province at the national level.

Similarly, Zulu’s progression has been remarkable. Beginning his journey in 2022, he quickly qualified for provincial competitions and gained international exposure at the India Khelo Tournament, where he reached the quarter-finals in the U15 category.

Zulu joined the LTTA to refine his skills and compete against SA’s top players. His consistent development earned him a spot in the JTTA Junior League and, ultimately, the national championships.

The NPO, committed to youth development, is seeking financial support to cover travel, accommodation, meals and other essential expenses. The total cost for all nine players is approximately R42 000.

Vikash Kasan, the LTTA chairperson, expressed pride in the athletes’ accomplishments while highlighting the financial challenge.

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“We are proud of the talent nurtured in our club. This tournament offers invaluable exposure at the highest level, but the costs are significant.

“We ask the community and local businesses to help make this opportunity a reality for these young athletes,” Kasan said.

Anyone interested in assisting can call Kasan on 082 495 9157 or donate to:
The Lenasia Table Tennis Association;
Standard Bank;
Current account number: 0815 669 80.
Use your name or business name and “LTTA Durban” as your reference.
With community support, these young athletes can proudly represent Johannesburg and inspire future generations.
With community support, these young athletes can represent Johannesburg and inspire future players.