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Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE men’s junior team got their campaign at the ongoing International Handball Federation Trophy Africa underway on a losing note over the weekend in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
They have so far lost two matches, against Reunion and Congo at the ongoing continental phase competition that is running until Wednesday at the Ethiopian Sports Academy.
Zimbabwe, were first up against Reunion on Saturday, the first day of the tournament and they lost 26-36.
And yesterday they were outclassed by Congo losing 15-62.
It was a tough game from the onset for Zimbabwe with Congo dominating throughout the match and were leading 36-6 going into half time. They maintained the upper hand in the last half of the game to claim victory over Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s coach Tafadzwa Madure admitted they could not match their opponents.
“Our first games, we made a lot of mistakes, high school blunders that costed us. Reunion capitalised on our mistakes and on our offence, the team was precise on shooting.
“Our defence was okay, they just made a few loopholes.
“Congo team was very outstanding, fast, we didn’t cope, but we managed to work them out despite the results against Congo the boys did really well.”
Madure said they need to up their game as the competition gets tough at this level. Zimbabwe face Rwanda in their third match today.
“When we play in Southern Africa, we are good, but up here there is a totally different game.
“We managed to adapt on those plays and I believe we should step up in our last two games although we will be playing runners up on the last tournament and the defending champions, Rwanda and Guinea respectively
“Competition this side is a big homework for us, if we want to excel in such tournaments, we should have a different approach to our handball.
“Rwanda are runners up from the 2022 continental tournament, fast-paced team and we should avoid the high school blunders. We won’t easily go down, we will fight until the last whistle,” said Madure.
They take on Guinea tomorrow in their last game.
Online Reporter