ZTTA Launches Level 1 Table Tennis Coaching Course

The Zambia Table Tennis Association (ZTTA) has teamed up with the International Table Tennis Federation Paralympic Table Tennis (ITTF PTT) and the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) to conduct a coaching course to raise the standard of table tennis in Zambia.

A total of 27 coaches from Lusaka, Eastern, Southern, North-Western, and Copperbelt provinces are taking part, and the Level 1 Coaching Course runs from 28 March 2026 to 6 April 2026.

The training is being led by Southern Africa ITTF trainer Kealeboga Keitseng, who is equipping participants with key coaching skills and knowledge.

ZTTA Technical Director Collins Mwenda said the course supports the association’s goal of developing table tennis at the grassroots level. He said training more coaches will help strengthen the sport in schools and clubs across Zambia.

Mwenda also encouraged more women to take part in sports. He described table tennis as a safe, non-contact sport that is open to people of all ages and abilities. He thanked the partners for their support of the programme.

Meanwhile, one of the participants, Jane Masiya, a teacher from Eastern Province, said the course has helped her gain valuable skills. She said she plans to use the knowledge to train children aged 5 to 16 and help grow the sport in her province.

ZTTA says the training will help produce better coaches and improve the overall development of table tennis in Zambia. The course also includes lessons in governance and administration, which are essential for the sport's growth.

The association noted that while the programme is helping to improve coaching skills, it has also revealed gaps in grassroots coaching. ZTTA plans to train more coaches at the community level to address these challenges.

In the next 12 months, the association hopes to expand training to schools, local councils, and community programmes to ensure coaching meets international standards.

This will help build a strong foundation for the sport and increase participation at the grassroots level across the country.