12th African Games: Eleven Year Old Jenny Amadi In Moroccan Dreamland

At eleven, Jenny Compell Amadi is enjoying her moment as the youngest member of the Kenyan team to the 12th African Games in Rabat, Morocco.

On Tuesday, August 27, the Standard Seven pupil of Moi Air Base Primary School made her dream debut at the games against Fadwa Garci of Tunisia. From her conduct during the encounter and thereafter, it was obvious that the youngster enjoyed the clash, especially with her comportment.

The shy-looking budding starlet believed that with more training she can rule Africa just like her table tennis idol, Egypt’s Dina Meshref.

After being introduced to table tennis, Amadi has found so much joy in the sport that she is already dreaming of becoming the first African champion from Kenya.

She said: “I love table tennis and my parents have been supporting me since I started. My passion for table tennis was borne out of the way the ball bounces as well as the touch of the bat.”

Referring to her clash with Garci, Amadi said: “Before the match, I was a bit nervous but after we started I adjusted and it was fun playing in front of such a big crowd and making my debut at the games. I am very happy to be selected by the Kenya Table Tennis Association (KTTA) to be part of the team. It is a big honour to represent your country and I cherish every moment I am spending in Morocco.”

Amadi, who will clock 12 on October 12, believes that with what she has seen in Morocco, she can conquer the continent.

“When I started four years ago, my target is to be the best in the sport and I am sure I can achieve it. I will have to redouble my efforts in training and hope that I can exceed the records set by Dina Meshref in Africa,” she added.