Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Under-18 and Under-20 men’s handball teams enter the decisive stage of their preparations today when more than 60 players report for a two-day national training camp at Harare High School.
The camp brings together players identified during January trials in Harare and Bulawayo as selectors begin trimming provisional squads ahead of the International Handball Federation Trophy Zone VI tournament in Lusaka from April 28 to May 3.
Only the winner in each age group advances to the continental phase of the competition, which makes the selection process crucial for the two young national teams.
Zimbabwe Handball Federation technical director, Bekezela Ncube, said the camp will give coaches their first proper look at the provisional squads working together.
“This is the first time we are bringing together the players identified during the Harare and Bulawayo trials so the coaches can assess them as a group,” said Ncube.
More than 30 players are expected in each age group and the numbers will be reduced to 20 before a final camp next month, where four more players will be dropped as the squads are trimmed to the 16 who will travel to Zambia.
Ncube said selectors are weighing several factors as they work toward finalising the teams.
“We start with the technical ability of the player and how comfortable they are with the ball. Height is also important in handball and we are paying attention to players who are active in club competitions because they already understand the demands of competitive matches,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s Under-20 team arrive with momentum after lifting the Zone VI title in the last edition of the tournament in 2024.
Coach Tafadzwa Madure expects the weekend camp to be intense as the technical teams begin shaping the final squads.
“We begin with fitness tests to see where the players are physically. From there we move straight into training sessions before focusing on tactical work and individual skills,” said Madure.
Madure will again lead the Under-20 side and will be assisted by Bekithemba Nkala. Farai Mukundu takes charge of the Under-18 team with Kudakwashe Gadzira as assistant coach.
