The Ghana Table Tennis Association, GTTA, has invited 30 male and 25 female players to undergo performance assessment from 1st to 6th February , 2024 ahead of the upcoming African games.
The exercise is aimed at selecting formidable sides to compete in the African games.
The invited players comprise of both category A and B.
The category A male players include Godwin Alabi, James Marfo, Augustine Baidoo, Felix Lartey, Richard Ofori, Francis Antwi, Bernard Joe Sam, Samuel Akayede, Derek Abrefa, Ishmael Addy, Emmanuel Commey and Ernest Quarcoo.
Isaac Davies, Damoah Collins, Solomon Danso, Christian Aboagye, David Ashong, Samuel Hagan, Theophilus Amo, Micheal Yeboah, Joseph Amissah, Micheal Trebi, Theophilus Okyere, Isaiah Bortier, Joshua Okine, Daniel Quartey, Israel Aklie, Emmanuel Daitey, Isaac Amoako and Gado Ibrahim making up the category B list.
The female category A side are Cecilia Frema, Cynthia Kwabi, Augustina Baidoo, Adom-Amankwaah Eva, Joanita Borteye, Bernice Borquaye, Blessing Labanti, Gloria Koomson, Hilda Agbotha-Asare, Naa Mary Borkor and Celia Baah Danso.
The category B also comprise of Agnes Coleman, Beatrice Gyasi, Diana Opoku, Rabiatu Ofoli Ayorkor, Jessica Droh, Emerald Bortey, Georgina Hackman, Eunice Quayson, Millicent Ankude, Mavis Okyere, Emmanuella Yaa Kyire, Matilda Blankson, Anastasia Dosu and Rachael Togbor.
In a statement signed and released by the technical director, Mr Charles Tachie-Menson disclosed that the assessment will be held in two stages with the final selection during camp.
“In stage 1, Athletes in category B will be paired in groups, with 3, 4 or 5 athletes in each group. Two athletes, based on performance will progress from each group and join category A to compete in the 2nd Stage of the performance assessment exercise.”
“System of play would be a Round Robbin system with each match being played with the Best out of 5 system. The order of play would be determined by the technical team to avoid match of conveniences (Fixed Matches).” part of the statement read.
The statement continued, “8 athletes after progressing from stage 1 will join athletes in category A to compete for an opportunity to participate in the 3rd stage of the performance assessment exercise. Out of 20 athletes who participate in the second stage, 8 athletes will progress to camp and the final assessment which is stage 3 will be done.”
The statement also disclosed that, the technical team will announce the final Team for Africa Games 2023 after the final assessment performance exercise.
According to the statement, a ten point assessment criteria has also been outlined to aid in the exercise.
“Technical and Tactical skills, Alignment of skills and capabilities to competition, strategy and team composition, Current skill level as determined by: Performance in GTTA National Ranking tournaments, Performance in pre-training camp Screening and Assessment Programme (SAAP), Performance in training camp, Disciplinary Record, Dexterity and Adaptability (skill level for doubles and ability to play different opponents).
“Track record in international events, Potential for future development, Health and Fitness Level (All athletes would be made to undergo a fitness level assessment test and health screening).
“If an athlete fails the fitness level test, he would be excluded from the assessment exercise irrespective of the stage in which athlete is), Mental Strength/Psychological Resilience, Commitment and Dedication,”.
According to the GTTA, Butterfly/ Stag tables, WTT V40+ double fish balls and Net Assembly – Butterfly / Stag would be the equipment to be used.
