GABORONE, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Africa Union Sports Commission (AUSC) region five table tennis tournament comprising of seven countries started in Botswana capital Gaborone on Friday.

The regional tournament will see teams from the host Botswana, Angola Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe battle for silverware in different categories over the next two days.

At the opening ceremony, Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chairperson Edwin Matlotse said they have worked hard to organize a successful tournament and hoped the participating countries will enjoy their stay in Botswana.

The tournament will also feature a para table tennis segment where Botswana, South Africa and Zambia will compete.

Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) President Thebe Selema said they are targeting a podium finish as the host.

He said players will be eager to do their best as the tournament will carry an International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) ranking points and also act as a qualifier for the Africa senior top 16 cup.

Selema said the tournament also provides a perfect opportunity for the technical team to select and prepare players for other upcoming major tournaments in the year including the African Games.

The tournament ends on Sunday.