adminSikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
DEFENDING handball champions Matabeleland South became the second province to successfully defend their title when they withstood a barrage of second half attacks from hosts Bulawayo to win 11-7 in a final played at Northlea High School yesterday.Six goals from top player Nobuhle Ndlovu and a brace each from Brenda Nkomo and Evidence Moyo with Nozinhle Nkala adding another were enough to condemn the four time gold medallists to a silver medal finish in an exciting and sportingly fought match witnessed by the Provincial Education Director for Bulawayo, Dan Moyo.
Bulawayo have been dominant in the history of the Youth Games, claiming gold at the inaugural games in 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007 with this year’s silver medal becoming their second after the 2008 games. Last year they scooped bronze.
Bulawayo got their goals from the outstanding Nomathemba Ziri who netted five times while Patience Moyo and Sifikile Ndlovu got a goal each.
The cheeky Ziri however, received two minutes out for unsporting behaviour while Matabeleland South’s Nkomo had one.
“Like we said from the beginning that team spirit and support from everyone in the team will see us through, we have just done that and naturally we are happy,” said the gold medallists’ manager Listina Nare Charlie.
She said Bulawayo relied too much on two players and when they closed that avenue, it became difficult for the hosts to have another game plan.
Bulawayo coach Sibulisiwe Mpofu said her players were never really in the game but was generally impressed with their performance, especially in the second half.
“I think they were a bit pensive and gave the opponents too much and unnecessary respect and at the end failed to fully get to the game,” said Mpofu who has been in charge of the Bulawayo provincial team in all these triumphant years.
It’s high time the efforts are realised by the national leadership of the game.
She said preparations for the 2014 games will begin soon and took solace in that only one player Moyo will not be available for next year due to age.
In the third place play-off Mashonaland East beat Mashonaland Central 10-4 to claim bronze.
On their way to the final, Bulawayo pummelled Mashonaland Central 25-7 while Matabeleland South scrapped through 11-10.
In the boys’ category, Harare claimed a 23-15 win over Mashonaland Central to win gold and condemn their opponents to a silver medal while hosts Bulawayo collected bronze after beating Matabeleland South 11-6 in the third place play-offs.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Bulawayo Handball Association Alfred Mugwagwa has praised the provincial sides for their gallant performances even though they did not win gold.
Online Reporter