Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Under-20 handball team coach Tafadzwa Madure blamed their failure to convert chances for the opening game defeat to hosts Cote d’Ivoire at the African Men’s Junior Nations Championship on Saturday.
The Zimbabweans lost 28-39 to the hosts.The tournament is featuring 16 countries from across the continent.
“Our first game was a tense match playing against the host nation although I believe we had the chances to win because, tactically, we were the same but we made a lot of turnovers and our shooting wasn’t precise.
“I believe it’s an eye opener for the team. Also, the major setback was on resin, a special glue used to help gripping the ball, something that in Southern Africa we don’t have access to but Western and Northern countries use it regularly.
“So, we failed to adapt and it was an advantage to them.” Zimbabwe earned their place at the continental showpiece when they won the International Handball Federation Trophy Zone VI in May. However, Madure admitted they need to step up their game going against some of the top teams on the continent at the tournament that runs until Saturday.
“This is a very different competition and we cannot afford to make mistakes because opponents capitalise on them.
“Going forward I believe we should work on our composure, maybe those mistakes we caused were because we were panicking.”
Zimbabwe were scheduled to play Guinea late yesterday in their second group game.
Cote d’Ivoire led 19-15 at half-time and maintained the upper hand in the last half to claim victory.
Guinea beat Rwanda 36-20 in their first encounter. Zimbabwe will wrap up the group stages against Rwanda tomorrow.
With 16 participating nations divided into four groups, the top two teams from each group advance to the quarterfinals.
The bottom two from each group will play in the placement matches.
Meanwhile, the senior women’s team is in camp for the final phase of their preparations for the upcoming International Handball Federation Nations Trophy Africa — Zone VI tournament.
The team regrouped last Friday at Highfield High 1 School for the final camp running until departure for the regional tournament due to take place from September 15 to 19 in Lusaka, Zambia.
The technical team, led by coach Tawanda Mapira, is working on finalising the final squad that will represent the country in Zambia.
The winners from the regional event, proceed to the IHF Nations Trophy.
