Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE game of korkball is fast gaining traction in the country, and Manicaland in particular, after hugely successful competitions held at Mutare Girls’ High School in Mutare last weekend drew participants from three provinces.
Korfball is a ball sport with similarities to netball, basketball, and ringball. The objective is to throw a ball into a netless basket mounted on a 3,5m pole. Each team has four female and male players. Participants from Harare, Mashonaland East and Manicaland competed in various age group competitions, with the Under-20category witnessing Dzivarasekwa 1 scooping the gold medal, while Mufakose 1 snatched the silver medal. St Joseph’s of Mutare settled for the bronze medal.
In the Under-18, Mufakose 2 won the gold medal, while Dzivarasekwa 1 were the silver medalists.
Kuwadzana 2 settled for bronze.
In the Under-16 category, Dzivarasekwa 1, once again snatched the gold medal, as Mufakose 2 settled for the silver medal.
Zengeza 1 were the bronze medalists.
Melody Mutasa, an executive assistant for IKF Africa Development Education, praised the korfball competition held at Mutare Girls’ High School: “The NASH and NAPH championship, which was held from last Friday to Sunday, was a resounding success. We are thrilled with the progress korfball is making in Zimbabwe,” she said. Mutasa, who presented trophies to the gold medal winners in the Under-16, 18, and 20 categories, noted that all three trophies were won by participants from Harare.
However, she acknowledged that Manicaland and Mashonaland East showed great promise, suggesting that with dedicated training, they can compete favourably next year.
Mutasa said korfball is an inclusive sport, open to all willing participants, and can serve as a valuable tool in combating drug and substance abuse.
“Korfball is an exciting sport, especially forthe younger generation. We encourage everyone to participate, regardless of age or skill level. Furthermore, korfball can play a vital role in addressing the national concern of substance and drug abuse, much like other sports,” said Mutasa.
Manicaland secured a bronze medal in the Under-20 category, courtesy of St Joseph’s High School. The list of participating schools from Harare Province included Kuwadzana 2 High Under-15 and 17, Zengeza 4 Under-20, Dzivarasekwa 1 Under-15, 17 and 20, Queen Elizabeth and Allan Wilson Under-15, 17 and 20, Zengeza 1 Under-15, Mufakose 1 Under-15 and 20, Mufakose 2 Under-20, Highfield 1 Under-20 as well as Zengeza 2 Under-17.
The host province, Manicaland had St Michael’s Tongogara Under-15, Holy Ghost Under-15,17 and 20, Arda Transau Under-17, Chirasika Primary School Under-15, St Joseph’s Mutare Under-20, while
Mashonaland East province had Munashe High Under-15s, 16s and 20s.
