by Olalekan Okusan, ITTF Africa Press Officer
Nathaniel Kwesi Somuah, the Media officer of Ghana Table Tennis Association, spoke to some of the aspiring players on their expectations as well as their targets for the double header tournaments.
Promising junior and cadet players such as the Baidoo twins, Augustine and Augustina; Samuel Hagan, and Godwin Nyarko Aseku are leaving no stone unturned. They are intensifying their training schedule in preparation for the tournaments.
“I’m extremely happy Ghana is hosting a World Junior Circuit tournament. I have never had the opportunity to watch any major tournament before, so I am excited that I will be playing in my first international tournament in my own country. The tournament will help us get the necessary exposure, boost our confidence and increase our enthusiasm for the game. It will also help us gain international recognition. We will get the chance to meet players from other countries which I think will improve our level of play.” Samuel Hagan
Most certainly Samuel Hagan is a determined young man with endless enthusiasm.
“I have a weekly training schedule with my personal coach. We train not less than four hours every day. Training is going perfectly. I am focusing on tactics now and I can see an improvement in my techniques. I am fully prepared physically and mentally for this competition. My plan for this competition is to win a medal for Ghana in this very important tournament. I am sure my colleagues have same agenda.” Samuel Hagan
The ITTF World Junior Circuit and the African Junior and Cadet Championships are major events for the continent but later this year there is one that is arguably even bigger. In late August and early September, the African Games will be staged in Morocco.
“I have a dream, not just an ordinary dream. I want to break into the current national team. It is possible. I have played senior team players in many tournaments and I have done extremely well. The agenda is to get selected for the national team for the African Games. Even though it is a tough task, I think with hard work and perseverance I will qualify at the national trials for the African Games.” Samuel Hagan.
Dreams do come true.
