African Sports Monthly Vol I. Issue II February 2018 | Page 49

He thinks Ghana has a bright future when it comes to Table Tennis because
if the game is played regularly with a competitive league in place, there can
be more recruits to the game with new stars emerging as our nation is full
of talented people.
“My current goal and target is to become Africa’s Number One or simply the
best on the continent. Sponsorship is a major problem here in Africa, so if
you are not determined and devoted to the sport, you may quit and dash
your dreams and look elsewhere for something to do.
He mentioned World Number 1, Ma Long as his inspiration and mentor.
On the international scene, he boasts of a bronze medal from the 2010 New
Delhi Commonwealth Games and gold from two All African Games; at
Algeria in 2007 and DR Congo in 2015, but he cherishes his first continental
medals, gold and silver at the African Championship in 2008 in Cote d’Ivoire.
which he followe up with three gold medals at the 2009 edition and would
go on to represent Ghana at the New Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games.
He is currently rated among the top 10 seeds in Africa, and on any given day
Derek can face and beat any of those 9 in the top ten on a good day.
On the local scene, he has won everything for the past 10 years. He has led
Ghana’s Immigration Service to chalk many successes in Table Tennis.
Some of the nation’s best players like Joe Sam, Emmanuel Commey, Cylia
Baah Danso, Bea Gyasi, Cynthia Kwabi, Linda Annor and Felix Lartey
acknowledge his title as 'Ping Ponghene' or King of Table Tennis, a name
carved out for him by some of his friends in the media.
“I am aiming beyond the Skies as far as achievements are concerned and I
advise the youth to pursue their education outside of playing Table Tennis"
he added.