UGANDA SHINES AT 2025 AFRICA HOPES WEEK & CHALLENGE IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

LAGOS, NIGERIA — Uganda’s young table tennis prodigies have made a resounding statement at the ongoing 2025 Africa Hopes Week & Challenge in Lagos, Nigeria, with both boys and girls registering unbeaten runs in an event reserved for the best under-12 talents across the continent.

Leading the charge is World Hopes Champion Joseph Sebatindira, who has shown no signs of slowing down. Sebatindira played eight matches on day one and won all eight, including thrilling encounters that tested his endurance and mental grit. He began his campaign with an emphatic 3-0 victory (11-6, 11-2, 11-8) over Algeria’s Abdel Tazerout and carried that momentum through the rest of the day.

His toughest tests came in round three, where he dropped a game but still emerged victorious 3-1 against Egypt’s Hamza Salman, and a nerve-wracking 3-2 win against Ghana’s Israel Aklie in round eight.

Last year, Israel Allie(from Ghana) defeated Joseph Sebatindira at this Africa Hopes Championship. But yesterday, Joseph avenged that loss by defeating Israel 3-2.

Last year Israel was crowned Africa Number 1 U11 but this time Joseph defeated him. If Joseph wins all his remaining matches today, he will be crowned Africa Number 1.

Despite these challenges, the Ugandan star showed great composure and technical prowess to remain undefeated.

On the girls’ side, reigning African Hopes Champion Patience Anyango lived up to her billing, sweeping through six matches with remarkable poise. She opened with a commanding 3-0 (11-3, 11-5, 11-7) win against Tunisia’s Chebbi Ritej, setting the tone for a dominant campaign.

Her only hiccup came in round five, where she dropped a game to Egypt’s Goudy Sheba before closing out a 3-1 win. Anyango’s consistency and tactical sharpness keep her firmly on course to defend her continental crown.

The Africa Hopes Week & Challenge is designed for players under 12 years and follows a round-robin format, allowing each participant the chance to face multiple opponents. The tournament has attracted 17 boys and 13 girls, and will serve as the qualifier for the prestigious World Hopes Week & Challenge scheduled for October in the United Kingdom.

The boys will contest eight rounds while the girls have six rounds to play, after which top performers will be seeded and selected for the global event.

The Ugandan delegation in Lagos is under the technical guidance of Alvin Katumba and Tendo Balyewunya, who have been instrumental in developing the young stars’ competitive edge and strategic execution.

While Joseph Sebatindira and Patience Anyango are flying Uganda’s flag high in the Hopes category, attention will soon shift to the upcoming Under-15 and Under-19 Africa Youth Championships, and later the Africa Youth Cup. Uganda will also be represented in these events by other rising stars including:

Sharif Nsereko

Ibrahim Mutesasira

Jemima Nakawala

Patra Nasirumbi

Parvin Nangonzi

These competitions not only offer a platform for international exposure but also provide critical pathways for progression into elite global youth competitions.

The Uganda Table Tennis Association (UTTA) has continued to nurture young talent and build on Uganda’s growing reputation in the sport. The exploits in Lagos are a testament to the strategic investment in youth development and international exposure.

As the Africa Hopes Week & Challenge continues, Uganda’s youngsters remain in the spotlight—undaunted and determined—to bring home glory and secure their spots on the world stage.

For more updates: Follow Uganda Table Tennis Association's official channels and stay tuned for the final standings and the next phase of Uganda's youth table tennis journey in Africa and beyond.