Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE have cut their senior women’s handball squad from 36 to 21 as they prepare to chase a place in the continental phase of the IHF Nations Trophy at next month’s Zone VI tournament in Lusaka, Zambia.
Coach Tawanda Mapira and his technical team will select the final 14 after their final camp early next month. The tournament runs from September 15 to 19.
Competition for places intensified during the team’s second training camp at Highfield High School over the weekend.
“We are happy that these players are showing a lot of improvement. It’s actually difficult for us to trim them down because we are now beginning to see more talent,” said Mapira.
The players were given individual training programmes after their first camp last month, and Mapira said the work had contributed to their improvement.
The 21-player squad gives the technical team three options in each position and cover for injuries or withdrawals before the final camp.
The senior IHF Nations Trophy was introduced earlier this year for developing handball nations and, like the youth and junior competitions, begins at zonal level. Federations that have qualified for two of the past three IHF World Championships are not eligible.
Zimbabwe Handball Federation president Taurai Muberekwa remains hopeful the side will deliver in Lusaka.
“Most of these players have not been exposed to IHF competitions.
This is their first time,” said Muberekwa.
“We are hoping that they are going to bring results.”
