Handball teams set for Lusaka

The tournament will feature Under-16 and Under-20 boys and girls’ teams from Malawi, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia and will end on October 19.
Out of the five schools that were selected, St John’s Chikwaka from Mashonaland East, Daramombe and St Francis of Assisi have confirmed their participation while the other two schools were still to be cleared by the responsible authorities as of yesterday.

Zimbabwe Handball Federation president, Amon Madzvamuse, said they got the invitation on a short notice and the schools were selected on their state of preparedness to compete in the event.
“We got the invitation after a short notice and it was just given to schools that were ready to go because of the short notice.
“We will reveal the names of the other two schools after they get confirmation in writing from their superiors.

“Last year we went to Zambia but we had primary schools and this time its secondary schools.
“We are going there on brotherly love. Zambia are still developing and they bank on us to assist them develop their handball.
“We are trying to promote handball and have a bridge between ZHF and Zambia.

“They are hoping to make the event an annual event if we continue participating,” said Madzvamuse.
Madzvamuse expressed confidence in the teams ahead of their departure as he said the school going age group has been doing well in their previous competitions.
“I want to assure the nation that St John’s and Daramombe preparations are at an advanced stage.

“We are trying to market the game of handball across Zambezi, our athletes need to travel.
“The schools will field both boys and girls teams with St John’s Chikwaka and St Francis of Assisi representing the nation in the Under-16 age group while Danamombe High will field the Under-20 teams.
“Judging from last year’s performance where we were the overall winners and sometime this year we went to Malawi where we were also victors, we are currently doing well especially with the school going age groups.

“Our challenge comes from Mozambique,” added Madzvamuse.
The teams will be led by ZHF secretary general, Alphios Magiya.