South African table tennis rising star Rochica Sonday has earned a silver medal in the U19 Girls’ Singles event at the ITTF African Youth Table Tennis Championships, held in Accra, Ghana, from 20 to 27 July.
Sonday produced an outstanding run throughout the tournament, showcasing skill, determination and resilience to secure a place in the final against Algeria’s Tania Morice. Despite a spirited performance, she went down 4-1 to the Algerian, settling for a well-deserved silver medal and cementing her place among Africa’s top junior players.
The South African Table Tennis Board (SATTB) praised Sonday’s achievement, describing it as a reflection of the dedication, discipline and hard work she has invested in the sport.
“Rochica’s silver medal is a proud achievement for South Africa and a testament to the hard work, resilience and commitment she has shown throughout her journey. She represented the country with distinction and has proven that South African table tennis can compete with the very best on the continent,” said SATTB media liaison Priya Ranchod.
The Board also commended Karen Pillay, who advanced to the Round of 16 before her campaign ended against eventual champion Tania Morice after a determined display.
“Karen also displayed great fighting spirit during the championships, and we are equally proud of the efforts of every player who wore the South African colours. Their performances are a positive reflection of the growth of our junior programme and the exciting future that lies ahead,” Ranchod added.
The South African team comprised Waydin Brown, Rupert Bester, Binyamin Salle, Asher Eli Abrahams, Tamika Van As, Refilwe Phofoolo, Nthabiseng Manyama, Veya Pillay, Cuten Lodewyk, Ruan Scholtz, Amaru Joseph, Nashwin Pienaar, Rochica Sonday, Banam Mtshawulana, Kritika Totaram and Karen Pillay. The team was coached by Graham Van As and Angeline Wood.
Ranchod also thanked the coaches, team management, parents, sponsors and supporters for their unwavering commitment, saying their continued support played an important role in the team’s participation and success at the continental championships.
SATTB reaffirmed its commitment to developing young talent and expressed confidence that South Africa’s rising stars will continue to excel on both the African and international stage.
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