Online Reporter
Amos Mpofu
BINGA is gearing up for a sporting fiesta of epic proportion as over 30 handball teams from across Southern Africa prepare to descend on the lakeside town for the inaugural Binga Beach Handball Tournament set for December 6 and 7.
The usually quiet shores of Lake Kariba are expected to erupt into drums, whistles, cheers and fierce competition as clubs from Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa and Eswatini clash on sand instead of the usual indoor courts. The Zimbabwe Handball Federation (ZHF) is pulling the strings behind the two day spectacle which will kick off with group stage battles before teams go toe to toe in knockout rounds, quarter finals, semi-finals and one explosive final.
ZHF president Taurai Thomas Muberekwa said the tournament is a game changer that could put Zimbabwe on the continental map.
“This event will put Zimbabwe firmly on the map as a leader in beach handball development within Africa,” said Muberekwa. “We are working to attract the attention of the International Handball Federation by showing that we are serious about developing this sport.”
The tournament will run under the theme Stop Drug and Substance Abuse. Organisers say the aim is not only to entertain, but to steer youths away from dangerous habits by giving them purpose, competition and a platform to shine.
However, preparations have not been all smooth sailing. Muberekwa revealed that donated equipment from the International Handball Federation has been stuck in storage due to lack of funds to clear it. The federation owes around US$16,000 in storage fees, a hurdle that has slowed the growth of the sport.
“It is frustrating because this equipment was meant to boost our development efforts. The delay affects how fast we can roll out training and promotion,” he said.
Despite the challenges, excitement is bubbling. Bekithemba Nkala, coach of Powerhouse Handball Club, Wanezi High School and assistant coach of the national Under 16 boys, said the tournament is a dream come true.
“It is not just about competition. It is about regional collaboration, talent development and raising the profile of the sport,” he said.
Gweru’s Mkoba Handball Club, nicknamed The Vipers, is also sharpening claws. Coach Tashinga T. Dembedza said his squad is fired up to test themselves on a bigger platform.
