KAMPALA, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's table tennis prodigy Joseph Sebatindira will lead the country's youth team to three international tournaments in Lagos, Nigeria.

The 10-year-old world U-11 reigning champion leads a seven-strong team that travels on Sunday for the tournaments that run from July 20 to August 5.

Sebatindira and Patience Omwero Anyango will kick-start the Africa Hopes Challenge U-12 from July 21 to 25. All seven players will then play in the ITTF Africa Youth Championship U-15 & U-19 from July 27 to August 3, and later the Africa Youth U-15 & U-19 from August 4 to 5.

"I am delighted to get this opportunity once again to represent my country. I know the tournaments will be very tough, but we have prepared well enough," Sebatindira told Xinhua.

The National Council of Sports (NCS) Senior Sports Officer, Anne Nankya, who flagged off the team, encouraged them to work hard and carry the Ugandan flag high during the tournaments. "We wish you success and hope to see you return with medals," said Nankya.

Men's coach Alvin Katumba said that the tournaments will provide the youngsters with another opportunity to get international exposure competing against Africa's best young talent. "We have prepared the team well enough and expect to register positive results," added Katumba. ■