Imbondi wins first gold at Arysteq Simonis tourney
CJ Brandt Primary School’s Sakaria Imbondi was the standout performer in the boys’ U19 draw at the fifth Arysteq and Simonis Schools Table Tennis Tournament Series, claiming his first-ever gold medal at the event last weekend.
Held at the Wanderers Sports Hall in Windhoek, the latest round in the series brought together 86 players, of whom 47 were boys and 39 girls, from schools and clubs across the region to compete for top honours.
Imbondi has become a familiar face on the podium in the boys’ U19 category, having previously won silver and bronze medals. His strong showing also extended to the boys’ U17 section, where he collected a silver medal.
Imbondi’s maiden U19 title run saw him finish ahead of Fillemon Ikanda, who claimed the silver medal.
Reflecting on his first gold medal, Imbondi’s sister Ottilie Shiweda could not hide the family’s elation.
“We are extremely proud and happy to see him win his first gold medal in table tennis. This achievement is a reflection of his hard work, dedication, discipline and determination,” she noted.
‘Truly special’
Shiweda said the family had watched him grow and put in the work in the sport, describing the opportunity to see his efforts culminate in the milestone as “truly special”.
“This is only the beginning of what we believe will be a very successful journey in table tennis. We congratulate him on this incredible achievement and will continue supporting and encouraging him to reach even greater heights,” she remarked.
The boys’ U19 bronze medals went to Jason Kadandara and Silas Anguku. Ikanda then stepped to the fore in the boys’ U17 category, where he claimed gold ahead of second-placed Imbondi and bronze medallists Kadandara and Anguku.
In the girls’ U19 category, familiar gold medallist Lian Gebauer of Deutsche Höhere Privatschule Windhoek claimed top spot once more, ahead of Karolina Shigwedha, who took silver.
The girls’ U19 bronze medals went to Justina Namuplo and Ester Shatika.
Gebauer completed a title double by claiming the girls’ U17 gold medal ahead of silver medallist Shigwedha and bronze medallists Sabina Shaanika and Suverasaneje Ikorua.
Other standout performers
The lower age categories also produced several standout performers. The medallists were as follows:
Boys U15: 1 Anguku, 2 Ikanda, 3 Jason Kadandara/Terence Kadandara
Girls U15: 1 Ikorua, 2 Esther Nelenge, 3 Rachel Kambonde/Wilhelmina Shivute
Boys U13: 1 Terence Kadandara, 2 Eliakim Namhila, 3 Don von Kunow/Wilhelm Twyman
Girls U13: 1 Shaanika, 2 Nelenge, 3 Shivute/McKayla Clarke
Boys U11: 1 Immanuel Hishidimbwa, 2 Kilian Beukes, 3 Fortune Mbundje/Makundi Madzinga
Girls U11: 1 Nelenge, 2 Clarke, 3 Hadassah Rittman/Hulda Nambudunga
Series’ milestones
In a tournament report, Namibia Table Tennis Association (NTTA) schools event director Theo Beukes said the latest round in the Arysteq and Simonis series also marked a milestone of its own.
“[We] marked an important milestone with Hage Geingob School making its debut appearance in the series.
“Adding to the tournament’s regional appeal, Origo Primary School travelled from Rehoboth to compete, demonstrating the increasing reach and impact of the competition,” he said.
Beukes further noted that the boys’ categories produced five different champions for the first time in the series.
“This is a testament to the remarkable competitiveness across the boys’ division. We express appreciation to the schools, players, parents and officials whose commitment continues to make the series a success,” he said.
Special recognition was also extended to Arysteq Asset Management and Simonis Storm, whose ongoing support is helping to create opportunities for young athletes to compete, develop and excel in the sport.
Beukes said three rounds remain in the series and the organisers are actively looking for venues to stage them, with the dates to be confirmed once the venues are secured.
