By Victor Kanayo
African table tennis champion Quadri Aruna has confirmed his transfer from Bundesliga side TTC RhönSprudel Fulda-Maberzell to Russian side Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg for the remaining part of the 2022/2023 season.
Late last year, Aruna announced his departure from the German side after two seasons with the Fulda where he led them to the semi-final of the German Cup as well as Bundesliga play-off last season and the Nigerian yesterday confirmed that he would be plying his trade with Russian champion Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg for the remaining part of the season.
“I was contacted by the Russian club in October 2022 and they had to write to the management of Fulda to express their intention to have me in their fold. They did that and paid the necessary transfer fee for me to join them this January. But I was also committed to helping Fulda move from the relegation zone in the Bundesliga which we were able to do in our last league match last season to occupy the 12th place in the 16-team league,” he said.
He added: “I love new challenges and I believe playing in the Russian league is another challenge for me having played in Portuguese, French and German leagues since I turned professional. I am sure I will improve more on my game and I am also ready to help the club remain on top of the Russian league this season.”
Aruna’s new club Fakel-Gazprom Orenburg are three-time ETTU Champions League winners with several records set in the Russian league.
“I was really happy to join the Russian club because when they approached me it was a bit difficult from the start because I did not want to quit Bundesliga. But looking at the records of the club, coupled with the achievements they have had in Europe and having visited the club thrice while playing for Sporting in the Champions League, I discovered it is one of the best clubs in the world,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian sensation will take part in the forthcoming 2023 World Table Tennis in Durban South Africa.
Also, his arch rival- Egypt’s Dina Meshref will be among the stars at the competition.
Host country South Africa will have a large pool of players 28 of which consist of 16 males and 12 females.
Top Africa players will also be in contention for the honour as the tournament is scheduled to happen between January 10 and 15, 2023 at Olive Convention Centre in Durban.
