Israel Aklie, 12, is Ghanaian. Anaab Abduldaim, 11, is Kenyan. And Joseph Sebatindira, 10, is Ugandan. What does the trio have in common? The teens are appearing at the ongoing 13th All Africa Games for the first time as players in the table tennis event of the multi-sports showpiece in Accra, Ghana.
Aklie is a Junior Class 2 pupil of Zenu K. K. M. A School and the excitement of making his debut at the Games radiated brightly at the Accra International Conference Centre as he cheered his compatriots duelling it out on the table.
Before turning spectator, Aklie competed in the men’s singles where he was edged out by a Nigerian opponent.
Undaunted by his early exit, Aklie turned adversity to opportunity by joining the fans not only to cheer his teammates still in the competition but also to use that opportunity to watch and learn from the top players.
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“It was unfortunate I lost against the Nigerian player in the singles and I am yet to feature in the team event because I am still learning. But I am happy supporting my teammates as this is another learning experience for me. Top African players like Quadri Aruna of Nigeria are here and I am happy watching them play to learn from them and improve my skills in the sport,” the Ghanaian youngster said.
Although the Nairobi-based Abduldaim found it a tall order competing at the African Games, it was a worthwhile experience for the SCLP Samaj School pupil.
“It was a tough experience for me despite the fact that I tried hard to win at least a match. Whenever I wanted to play, I was scared, being my first African Games. But playing here has improved my confidence on the table. I also learnt that I need to work on my backhand as most players are good on the backhand. Also, I must be good in my service which I noticed can help to earn points. I am happy watching my table tennis idol, Omar Assar, winning the men’s singles because for me, he is an excellent player. I hope to go back home and work on the lapses I noticed in my game,” the Kenyan mini-cadet champion said.
To two-time WTT Youth Contender champion, Sebatindira of Uganda, the excitement of playing at the African Games is incomparable to anything else.
“I am happy competing in this competition because this happens every four year. For me to be competing early in my life is a rare privilege. Playing here has really opened my eyes to several tactics and techniques in the sport, especially when it comes to backhand and flipping of the ball. And I am so happy to see my table tennis idol, Quadri Aruna of Nigeria, again. Unfortunately he lost in the men’s singles final but for me he is still the best player,” the Kampala-based starlet said.
