Aruna Quadri says he can’t wait to join the rank of elite players in the 2020/2021 German Table Tennis Bundesliga League.
After more than a decade conquering the Portuguese League where he has established himself as the undisputed number one player, Quadri will start a new chapter in his career in September.
Africa’s top-ranked player made the move to TC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell in the German Bundesliga from Sporting Lisbon in February and says he is under no illusions about the challenge that awaits him in Germany.
“For years many people are aware that the German league is the toughest and strongest in Europe and for myself I have no doubt about that. I am fully aware of what I am going to be facing with the start of season 2020/21,” Quadri said.
“The Portuguese league is entirely different from the German league, there is an enormous difference regarding the level.
“For me, the German league is of the highest level, while the Portuguese league is a normal one, but not too bad. The German Bundesliga has several players rated top 100 or even top 10 in the world. For this reason, the level is high and the competition is tough,” he said.
Ahead of the new season, the management of Quadri’s club also added Hong Kong number three Lam Siu Hang to the roster as they plan an assault on the title.
Read: Quadri Drops Two Places But Maintains Africa’s Top Spot As ITTF Freeze Rankings
The team will, however, be relying on Quadri to spearhead their challenge with a squad that also includes German international Ruwen Filus and German youth international Fan Bo Meng.
The Nigerian says he is familiar with his new teammates having competed with and against them at different competitions across the globe.
“Yes, of course! During the world tours I used to practice with Ruwen Filus for a while, he is a great player and one of the best defenders in the world. I also met Fan Bo Meng on world tours, he has lots of talent. I am certain we will all become a great family in the TTBL,” Quadri said.
Speaking about their target for the upcoming season, Quadri said: “Just like every other team we want to be the champions. My goal is to be a great ambassador for my team in the league and to always give 100% for my performance.”
Quadri who hails from Oyo State will be the only African competing in the German elite league this year after Egypt’s Omar Assar quit Borussia Dusseldorf to move to France.
