Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu
A fresh chapter beckons for Zimbabwean handball. This past Saturday, the Zimbabwe Handball Federation (ZHF) elected 35-year-old Taurai Muberekwa, as it’s youngest ever president, a move that could spark a long overdue revival for the struggling sport.
Muberekwa swept to victory with a commanding 8–1 win over his sole challenger, Edson Chiroodza, in elections held in Gweru.
His triumph marks more than just a generational shift; it signals a bold promise to inject energy, transparency and strategic vision into the ZHF’s operations. Muberekwa has vowed to overhaul the sport from the grassroots up, focusing on youth empowerment, structural reforms and broader national engagement.
“During my presidency, the epicentre of my priorities will be empowering youths, initiating development projects across the country, advocating for junior clubs, and lobbying both the Government and corporate stakeholders to support the sport,” he said.
He emphasised plans to strengthen club structures and grow the sport across all levels.
“We aim to strengthen clubs, establish teams across all age groups, train junior referees and ensure that every province incorporates beach handball,” he added.
“We’ll also collaborate with the National Association of Primary School Heads (Naph), the National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash), tertiary institutions and the uniformed forces.”
The 2025 elections had initially been slated for March but were delayed. A subsequent vote of no confidence in the outgoing executive prompted Saturday’s decisive election.
Muberekwa is no stranger to leadership in the sport. He has served as chairperson of the Matabeleland North Handball Board since 2017 and heads the Zone VI Beach Handball Commission.
“Being the youngest president in the history of the Zimbabwe Handball Federation and in the region, shows the trust people have placed in my capacity to transform the game,” he said. “I’m confident I won’t let them down.”
Joining Muberekwa on the new ZHF executive are Clemence Tauro as vice president, along with Petros Nyathi and Musana Chirikure as committee members.
Muberekwa also flagged urgent constitutional reforms as a key agenda item.
“There are several gaps in our constitution that we’ve identified and must address as a matter of urgency,” he said. “We will prioritise transparency, good governance, and women’s empowerment. We aim to align our constitution with the continental (CUB) charter, which requires that the second vice president be a woman. We’ll also ensure the national league is run professionally and efficiently.”
With renewed leadership, youthful energy and a bold roadmap, Zimbabwean handball may finally be poised for a long-awaited comeback.
