ITTF expert hails BTTA

International expert, Ahmed Dawlatly of Egypt has praised the Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) for its commitment in developing the sport in the country.

When you build from the grassroots, it is highly likely that this country will have very good players and will be able to compete at the highest level because they have been exposed to the aspects of table tennis at a young age," he said. He said he is happy that BTTA has found it fit to drill coaches who will help to develop young players at Primary schools. "It is good to realise that they are also planning to conduct umpiring courses," he said.
Dawlatly praised the commitment of participants at the Under-18 training camp and the Level One coaching course, which ended on Wednesday.
"I am pleased with their attitude and they showed a lot of determination in everything they did.
The young players were willing to learn and I see a bright future ahead of them," he said. He added that when he arrived last week to conduct an Under 18 training camp and a Level One coaching course for Primary school teachers, he expected much lower standards. "I was really surprised to see that the level of table tennis here is much better than what I expected," he stated.
He added that the level of table tennis  in Botswana is better than many African countries. Dawlatly has been an ITTF expert since 2000. He has conducted many ITTF courses in Asia, Africa and Latin America. It is the first time he has conducted a course in Botswana though he has been to Namibia. He is currently the head coach of Libya national table tennis team.
Meanwhile, about 24 Under-18 players were awarded certificates of participation after finishing the week-long training camp conducted by Dawlatly. Primary school teachers who have been in the Level One coaching course have also been awarded certificates of attendance.Only one coach, Gidirileone Bagwasi qualified for the 30-hour coaching practice. Game Mothibi has been appointed to supervise five hours and she will evaluate Bagwasi and send a confidential report to Dawlatly. If he passes, Bagwasi will get a Level One coaching certificate.

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