With just five days to go before the Southern Africa Regional Table Tennis Championships serve off in Zimbabwe, the host nation says it is ready to challenge the region's top teams after months of intensive preparations and renewed investment in the sport.

The tournament, scheduled for July 10 to 12 at Glen City Retreat, will bring together some of Southern Africa's best table tennis players in an event that is expected to strengthen regional competition while providing Zimbabwe with a rare opportunity to compete on home soil. The championship will also serve as a qualifier for higher continental competitions.

Zimbabwe Table Tennis Union (ZTTU) president Noah Ferenando believes the national team has done enough to compete with regional heavyweights such as South Africa.

Speaking after a successful fundraising dinner held at Monomotapa Hotel on Friday, Ferenando applauded the corporate sector and development partners for backing the national team.

"We are very happy with the support we got from the corporate world and businesses," said Ferenando.

"Although table tennis is still a small sport in Zimbabwe, we are grateful for the support we have received from our stakeholders, including the Chinese Embassy to Zimbabwe."

The fundraising dinner was organised to mobilise resources for the national team's final preparations and participation in the regional championship.

Ferenando said the road to hosting and preparing for the tournament had not been easy, but the association had remained focused on building a competitive squad capable of making Zimbabwe proud.

"It wasn't an easy journey, but we have managed to bring this championship to Zimbabwe," he said.

"We have managed to engage one of the best and most experienced coaches, Coach Wang, and we are not looking for only participation but a team that can compete for the championship."

He expressed confidence in the squad's readiness despite facing stronger and more experienced opponents.

"In terms of preparedness, I can say we are almost there, and I trust the team we have will be able to compete against tougher nations like South Africa," he said.

National team head coach Wang Liping said the players had undergone demanding training sessions and were eager to test themselves against the region's best.

"We had tough training over the past few days and I can say we are prepared, even though we are still behind some countries like South Africa," said Wang.

"We will play an aggressive attacking game, and I have introduced modern table tennis techniques to the team. It will be a very competitive side."

The appointment of Wang, a Chinese coach with vast international experience, is part of the Zimbabwe Table Tennis Union's long term strategy to raise the country's standards and improve performances at regional and continental level.

His arrival has also strengthened the long standing partnership between Zimbabwe and the Chinese Embassy, which has supported the development of table tennis through equipment donations, technical assistance and coaching exchange programmes.

Although table tennis remains one of Zimbabwe's developing sporting , the country has made steady progress in recent years through grassroots development programmes, increased junior participation and the hosting of regional events. The ZTTU hopes that hosting this year's Southern Africa Regional Championships will inspire more young athletes to take up the sport while showcasing Zimbabwe's ability to stage international competitions.