Handball coaches ready for Zone Six

Zimbabwe will field two teams in the men and women’s categories for the weeklong tournament, which starts today. Six countries — Botswana, Mozambique, Lesotho, Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa — are expected to battle it out in the eight-day competition.
Men’s team coach, Alan Mandeya, was upbeat that his charges will do well despite the lack of international exposure. 
“I don’t think that it will affect them. Some have been playing at their clubs and have been playing with older players so it won’t be a problem.
“We are prepared for the event. We expect to do better from the last time when we finished fifth as a country in 2008. We are expecting to get a better position this time.
“We are expecting a silver medal considering the preparations that we have been doing,” said Mandeya.
Mandeya said their challenge may come from Mozambique as they have strong teams.
“Mozambique might be a threat to us but we will do our best. Our strength is on attack and we have an average defence. The best way to win a game is to attack,” said Mandeya.
Team captain, Devin Saunyama, said they were raring to go.
“We are hoping to win. I have seen the guys playing since we came together last week and we have been improving as a team.
“I can say we have a strong team.
“I am satisfied with the way we have been preparing for this event and we are going to produce something,” said Saunyama. The women’s team last participated in the Zone Six Games in 2010 and won a bronze medal but they are hoping for a better result this time around. The team’s coach, Tawanda Mapira, said they are gunning for gold in this year’s tournament.
“I am very impressed with the level of play these players have displayed.
“These are the golden girls and we are at a stage where we are simply polishing up our attack and defence.
“The girls are raring to go. It won’t be a surprise to bring back a gold medal. I think we have the right ammunition that can bring gold,” said Mapira.
Mapira said they are banking their hopes on the likes of Fungai Mutandagayi and Nomatter Chikwira who were part of the team that took part in the tournament in 2010.
“We have Fungai Mutandagayi (captain) and Nomatter Chikwira, they are a cut above the rest.
“They are sharp shooters and can also play defensively. Their experience counts a lot in this tournament.
“The way they attack, the sharp turns and their body swerve, it’s just outstanding,” said Mapira.
Team captain, Mutandagayi, was confident they will win.
“It’s obvious we want gold because the last time when we took part in the event we got bronze so this time around we are aiming for the best.
“I think my experience will help a bit and the preparations have been good,” said Mutandagayi.
Teams
Men: Alfred Mapeto, Chengetai Nedziwe, Devin Saunyama (captain), Tinaye Zimudzi, Brian Harri, Ophia Muguni, Qondisani Tashi, Kingstone Jamela, Joseph Magamba, Nicol Ndou, Tinotenda Machakaire, Kudakwashe Chamboko, Tatenda Muyaruka, Eric Zgambo.
Women: Nancy Ticharwa, Blessing Makanda, Lesley Chikadaya, Kudzai Ignasho, Nomsa Mushayahwaro, Stabile Ngandini, Nomatter Chikwira, Sarah Mugonderwa, Maybe Bandera, Wadzanai Ziyenderana, Princess Taerukana, Fungai Mutandagayi, Sandra Mtede, Bridget Maguruvada.