admin
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Under-20 men’s handball team coach Tafadzwa Madure says they have to work extra hard in the next few days ahead of their departure for the International Handball Federation Trophy Continental Phase tournament in Ethiopia.
The competition runs from November 2 to 6 in Addis Ababa.
The team started trooping into camp yesterday at Prince Edward School and is scheduled to begin training today.
They will be using Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex and City Sports Centre for their training sessions.
“So, we had a long break before a highly intense competition. We have only four days (in camp), and we are going to focus on teamwork and perfecting set play.
“I am going to go from low going to an intense performance of our players to avoid injuries, fatigue, and burn-out,” said Madure.
They are scheduled to leave for Ethiopia on Friday.
The players had a feel of competition when they featured for their respective clubs during the University of Zimbabwe tournament a week ago.
“We had suggested to play as a team during the University of Zimbabwe tournament but since we weren’t in camp players played for their respective clubs. I managed to watch them and see if they have been following the training programme we gave them.
“We should work an extra mile in combination with the few days we have,” said Madure.
Madure had hoped for an improved preparation for this year’s tournament after returning home without a win from the same event last year.
However, it has been a difficult journey for the team as the Zimbabwe Handball Federation have been struggling to fund the build-up due to financial challenges.
“Honestly, we were there previously in 2023, we wanted to work hard for this tournament, but we failed to get adequate training.
“But that does not shift our focus I have been talking with the boys they are in the mood for winning. We shall work hard for good results, put aside all that we failed to do,” said Madure.
Madure will be assisted by Mthulisi Mvubu. ZHF secretary general Edson Chirowodza said despite the challenges they believe the team will be in a position to compete.
“First of all, I believe that the team despite not having this long camp, at the present moment can’t compare our previous event with this one. Why? The last time when we went for Continental Phase they were coming from a festive season, it was in January.
“So, most of our players were out of season and they were not in any competition . . . But it is different now with this current team because we are talking about them having played a tournament at UZ, they have been playing in league games, they have been very active.
“They have a programme that they are following.
“So, in terms of their match fitness, their fitness we are a better side, and we cannot compare with our previous programme.
“I think I cannot outrightly say that we are not ready, or we will not be ready by the time we go for the competition. The circumstances and the environment are a bit different now,” Chirowodza said.
The tournament caters for Under-20 and Under-18 teams.
Other countries that are expected to be part of the event include Zambia, which qualified for the Under-18 category, Madagascar, Guinea, Cameroon, Congo, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Ethiopia.
Team: Russell Masuku, Munyaradzi Mhlanga, Shown Thomas, Charles Ndoro, Craynne Kuvaronza, Blessed Musarurwa, Donnely Shonhiwa, Takunda Munotumani, Nkosilathi Khumalo, Namishibb Gamanya, Blessing Botoman, Thomas Chiramba, Tinotenda Matanda, Tanaka Zvarimwa.
Officials: Tafadzwa Madure (head coach), Mthulisi Mvubu (assistant coach), Edson Chirowodza (head of the delegation).
Online Reporter