Black Rhinos win Presidential handball trophy

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
BLACK Rhinos men’s handball team were crowned this year’s Presidential Trophy winners while Danhamombe defended their title in the women’s section on Sunday at Houghton Park Primary School in Harare. The two-day tournament started on Saturday.

Harare-based Rhinos beat Howard 13-4 in the final to claim the men’s title. Rhinos defeated Danhamombe from Masvingo 7-4 in the semi-finals to book their place in the final while Howard dismissed Bright Burning Stars 5-2 in the other semi-final.

Although they lost in the men’s section, Danhamombe’s women’s side had a good outing as they beat Ajax from Bulawayo 11-5 to win the title for the second consecutive year.

On their way to the final, Danhamombe overpowered Girls High School of Harare 9-4 in a tightly contested semi-final match.

Girls High won the inaugural tournament in 2013 before losing it to Danhamombe last year and the latter proved to be the best side again this year.

Bernard Muzanenhamo, who was part of the organising committee for the event, said although there has been lack of competitive tournaments this year, they witnessed some good competition in both sections.

The tournament, initially expected to feature 24 teams, attracted 32 teams – 18 men’s sides and 14 women’s teams – from different provinces and this came as a big vote of confidence in Zimbabwe Handball Federation’s president Amon Madzvamuse who recently survived a “coup” at the federation.

“The quality of competition was high because we had more teams this time around.

“We had 32 teams participating this year.

“Although we had not had many competitive tournaments, some of the teams train even when they don’t have games. There has been lack of competitive competitions locally,” said Muzanenhamo.

Muzanenhamo, who was the chairperson of the Premier Handball League which is no longer running, said they are hoping to have at least two more tournaments before the end of the year to keep the clubs active.

“Harare Province is trying to organise a provincial league and are hoping to have a tournament in November while Masvingo will host another national tournament in December. Masvingo will host all the provinces,” said Muzanenhamo.

The top three teams in both sections walked away with trophies and medals for their efforts.

Last year, the tournament had 20 teams.