Zimbabwean umpires first and excellent

November ushered in the ITTF Basic Referees and Umpires Courses in the world and Zimbabwe was the breaking ground for such courses.

International Referee and esteemed President of the Referees and Umpires Commission in Africa, Mohammed Refaat Bassyouni arrived in Zimbabwe on the 31st of October 2019. He was welcomed by ZTTU President, Mr Noah Ferenando, ZTTU Secretary General, Mr Tinashe Duri and the former National Team Manager, Mr Edward Tsai.

Whilst previous attendees of the ITTF Courses found the courses to be challenging, Zimbabwe managed an almost 100% pass rate of the Basic Umpires Course after the two-day intensive program. Twenty-one certificates were awarded to the excited participants and these included:

Mbali Marara

Noah Ferenando

Edward Tsai

Ernest Rhappozzoh

Primrose Muzah

Tendai Mudzemba

Bibian Ncube

Silungile Mholi

Jeremy Chigede

Robinson Chigede

Blessing Nyamakawo

Patience Gwara

Antony Mutara

Isheanesu Msasa

Kudzai Chatira

Alice Nyatsanga

Noster Sithole

Benjamin Mabika

Lorraine Mukahanana

Angel Siringwani

Lionel

However, the referees section proved to be a little bit tricky and only seven of the participants were certified after the three days that were set aside for the course. The three gentlemen and four ladies included:

Noah Ferenando

Edward Tsai

Ernest Rhappozzoh

Alice Nyatsanga

Noster Sithole

Primrose Muzah

Patience Gwara

Special thanks go to all the helping hands and generous hearts that made this the success it was.