Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Under-20 men’s handball coach Tafadzwa Madure says only half of his 17-man squad is fit ahead of the African Junior Men’s Championship, which begins in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on September 5.
The players went into camp at Highfield 1 High School in Harare on Monday, but fitness tests the following day left Madure concerned about their conditioning.
“We had given the players training programmes to follow, so now we are pushing to see how much progress they made. That’s why we had a fitness test yesterday.
“I think half of the team is fit, but the others, I don’t think they were taking the training programme seriously.
“So now we are really trying to push. We are hoping that by the end of the week we will be in a better position.
“What we are trying to do now is to use matches to condition them, like friendly matches against local clubs,” Madure said.
The coach had expected 20 players in camp, but Emmanuel Mahaso and Adrian Chivi could not join because of school examinations, while Tinotenda Chirowamhangu was not registered on the provisional list.
“We have 17 players from the 20 expected.
“We have two players from our provisional list who were affected by examinations, namely Emmanuel Mahaso and Adrian Chivi.
“There is also Tinotenda Chirowamhangu. IHF didn’t register him on the provisional list.
“It’s a big blow to the team since we introduced a few boys from the Under-18s.”
Madure is expected to name his final 14-player travelling squad by Sunday.
Zimbabwe will face hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea and Rwanda in Group A of the 16-team championship, which runs until September 12.
The core of Madure’s squad won the IHF Trophy Africa Zone VI junior title in Lusaka in May, beating Mozambique 36-32 in the final. He has added players from the Under-18 side that finished second at the same regional tournament.
Limited resources have restricted Zimbabwe’s preparations, leaving Madure to use club friendlies to sharpen the side’s defence and set plays.
“Our main area of focus now is defence perfection mainly, although we shall be perfecting our set plays as well.
“Game situation is now ideal. We shall be having more friendlies with local clubs,” Madure said.
Squad in camp
Blessing Botoman, Tafadzwa Gonye, Tanatswa Mapolisa, Johane Musamwira, Tichafara Mubvakure, Craig Karimatsenga, Dominick Ndou, Panashe Mutsau, Inzwiraishe Mushai, Sean Mvuto, Learnmore Gomba, Shawn Chaka, Davis Nhongonhema, Kundiso Berekai, Tendai Hakulandaba, Byron Gono Marufu, Bright Mukuzunga.
