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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
SWEDISH handball coach Henrik Signell and fitness trainer Elvir Rakovic believe there is need to start developing the sport from an early age if Zimbabwe is to realise its full potential.The two arrived in the country last week and conducted a Level One coaching course and fitness training in Kadoma.
“I think we are quite satisfied with the training course and we think that the coaches enjoyed it too,” said Signell.
“Hopefully, this is a start for developing the whole handball in Mash West and also Zimbabwe but there is more work to it. You have to start from young ages with the children and also continue to develop and do the work with the coaches so they can have good sessions.
“We can also say that the coaches are very eager to learn and also the young players and it seems like it’s a young sport and, yes, we can clearly say there is potential.
“We have had a wonderful time here and also we want to in some way continue this co-operation because it was just a few days.”
Signell said handball was a very physical sport.
“In Europe, and in Sweden, it’s physical and here the referees don’t allow that so I think it has to change. We can clearly see that it’s a lot to do with passes, shots and defence techniques, basic things that have been forgotten so there is a lot of work to do and not create a team,” Signell said.
Rakovic said the local handball motherbody has to invest in the education of coaches so that they create a strong foundation for development and growth.
“Like Henrik said develop, educate coaches and put those good coaches in young ages because we believe they are important to start with good proper education from the beginning.
“And you also have to think in long-term ways, not to be good in a year or two because it takes many years to reach your potential. So it can take about 15 years with good work but the start is very important,” said Rakovic.
The fitness trainer said they hope to continue the good work they have started here but wants Zimbabwean coaches to visit Sweden to see how they play the game.
“So, hopefully, we will get back here some day but we also think it is also important for the Zimbabwean handball coaches to come and visit us in Europe,” he said.
“Zimbabwean coaches need to come and see how the game of handball is played in Europe.”
Mashonaland West Handball Association vice-chairperson, Alfos Mhondiwa, said the course was an eye-opener.
“About seven provinces came to Mashonaland West to be trained by these guys and that was quite helpful. They also trained our Under-12, Under-13 and Under-14 guys, we have some of these kids going for the biggest tournament, the Partille Cup in Sweden in July, where we think these guys’ training will help our kids to compete at the highest level,” said Mhondiwa.
Rakovic left the country on Thursday and Signell is expected to head back to Sweden tomorrow.
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