adminPlaxedes Sibanda Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Handball Under-20 male and female teams are determined to spring surprises at the International Handball Region Five Africa Challenge Trophy that kicks off in Zambia tomorrow despite hurdles in their preparations.
Zimbabwe Handball Federation president Amon Madzamuse said the teams prepared well despite limited training resources.
“The International Handball Federation sent the funds for camping late but we managed to pool together some money that assisted us prepare for the tourney. We are, however, confident of doing better than the third position we took in 2012 when we walked away with the bronze medal,” said Madzamuse.
“We had a few setbacks as we were preparing for the tournament but I can assure you that everything will go well because I will accompany the team as the head of delegation and I will make sure that everything runs smoothly.”
The two teams, made up of 14 players apiece, left the country yesterday for the five-day tournament.
The team went into camp last Monday at Girls High School in the capital with one of the coaches, Farai Gwisai, describing the practice sessions as vital in their preparations.
Madzamuse said the team had enough resources to participate and bring back medals.
“Despite earlier hiccups, everything is now in order. We had delays in getting the money from IHF but I don’t think it will have a big impact on our performance and hold us back in attaining good results,” he said.
The team had setbacks in receiving the money to cater for their travelling, food and accommodation expenses from IHF who are funding the national associations to take part in the tournament.
This is the second time Zimbabwe is competing in the developmental tournament for Southern African nations, which is funded by the Federation.
In the previous edition of the challenge tournament held in South Africa in 2012, the boys’ team finished third, clinching a bronze medal.
Zimbabwe is set to battle it out with seven other Southern African nations that include South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, Swaziland, Botswana and Lesotho for top honours.
Online Reporter