Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR some time, the International Handball Federation Trophy provided the much-needed platform for exposure and talent development for upcoming players across the world.
After evaluating the progress achieved over the years, the IHF early this year extended the IHF Trophy to the senior category to complete the circle of handball development.
This was against the background that the programme had helped national federations, including on the African continent, build their teams, as well as coaches and referees.
The event starts with the zonal competitions, catered for Under-18 (youth) and Under-20 (junior) teams, both men and women.
The winning teams in the two age-groups at the zonal tournaments proceed to the Continental Phase of the IHF Trophy Africa.
Now, Just like the youth and junior competitions, the seniors’ competition will begin with the zonal events, with the participating teams receiving support from the IHF to enable them to participate.
The Zimbabwe Handball Federation are currently preparing for the Zone VI tournament of the IHF Women’s Nations Trophy 2026.
The regional event is due to take place from September 15 to 19 in Lusaka, Zambia, and is a qualifier for the Continental Phase.
ZHF held their first camp in Harare recently for the provisional squad named early this month, and the players welcomed the introduction of the competition as they now have something to look forward to.
Zone VI handball secretary general Edson Chirowodza has added his voice and said the competition will positively impact the development and growth of the sport in the region.
“We are very excited as a region, because in Europe, they have been playing what they call the Emerging Nations Championship.
“So, I believe now with this tournament coming up, it is going to help in the ranking of our national teams, because we were not getting opportunities to be ranked.
“Participation at these other major competitions for senior men and women was prohibitive for our member countries.
“Basically, I think it’s a huge opportunity for us and our nations.
“And I believe this is also going to create competition for seniors at that level, which was already lacking in the region.”
The men’s and women’s competitions are held separately and in different years, just like in the youth and junior competitions.
The men’s event is expected to take place next year.
“I think basically, as a region, we were lagging behind in terms of senior men and women’s national teams’ participation in international competition because in the past, we have had Zambia only participating in the African Cup of Nations and other senior championships.
“This competition came when we lobbied the African Handball Confederation, to say in as much as they are supporting juniors and youths, you will find that there’s no continuity for these youngsters.
“We lobbied because there was a need for them to look into the competition criteria for senior men and women, which was then probably addressed by bringing up this competition, the IHF senior, which is also supported by the International Federation,” said Chirowodza.
