Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE senior women’s handball team coach Tawanda Mapira says they still have some work to do after their first training camp for the International Handball Federation Women’s Nations Trophy tournament was marred by a low turnout.
A total of 20 players reported for the camp held at Highfield High 1 School in Harare over the weekend.
The group is part of the 36-member provisional squad established by the Zimbabwe Handball Federation.
The tournament kicks-off with the zonal competitions, and the Zone VI event is due to take place from September 15 to 19 in Lusaka, Zambia.
“Our observation currently is we had a low turnout, maybe due to distance and financial constraints on some of the players that we were expecting here,” said Mapira.
“Then, we also have some players who are now working, and there are some challenges from their workplaces.
“They have since sent their apologies. We really wanted them to be here. Unfortunately, they are not here, and we still have to make other means so that we also absorb those ones who come in.
“We are also noticing that most of the players, since we are coming from the off-season, still need more physique so that their endurance levels will go up.”
Mapira and his assistant Sibulisiwe Mpofu were working together with the ZHF technical director Bekezela Ncube.
It was the first time they were meeting as a group.
“So far, we have been looking at the basic components. If they have their basics, they will be able to catch the ball, pass the ball, shoot, and play with their fellow players.
“That has since shown that it is on the positive.
“But we still have a lot to do. Remember, these players are coming from various clubs, from various teams, where they use different formations which are different.
“We are trying to make those defence formations, those attack formations, to come up with something that is uniform for the senior national team.
“That we would go for maybe a few other camps before we actually do the final camp, where we go to Zambia for the Zone VI,” Mapira said. Previously, the IHF Trophy tournament focused on junior and youth teams.
Zimbabwe have had their junior and youth men teams making podium performances in the last three editions.
Ashyline Sibiya from Manyame Sparrows welcomed the development.
“We are very proud of the youth, they have done us proud, they have played so well…It’s also our turn now as the seniors to also showcase our talent in handball and showcase what we can do as Zimbabwe.
“I think we need to be up there, at least, maybe if we bring a medal, that will be so good.”
Tanyaradzwa Kahari said, “This is an opportunity we have been waiting for. There have been promises in the past, and now that the tournament is here, it is something important for us as players.”
