Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Handball Federation technical director Bekezela Ncube has said they are hoping for an improved turnout for the senior women’s second camp this weekend in Harare.
The senior women’s side is scheduled to take part in the International Handball Federation Nations Trophy Africa–Zone VI from September 15 to 19 in Lusaka, Zambia.
A provisional squad of 27 players is expected to meet for a three-day camp running from Friday to Sun-day at Highfield High 1 School.
The first camp was held last month but was marred by a low turnout.
“We are expecting around 27 players from our provisional list that we registered on the IHF platform.
“Others were removed because of failure to produce passports, so when you register on the IHF platform they need a valid passport.
“So, the ones that we managed to register are 27; they are the ones that we are going to be playing around with in terms of selecting the team that is going to Zambia,” said Ncube.
Tawanda Mapira is leading the team and is being assisted by Sibulisiwe Mpofu.
Ncube, who was working with the coaches during the first camp, said the players have been working in their respective bases after they were given individual training programmes.
“At the first camp, the first thing that we realised in terms of physique was that these guys were not physically fit.
“So, we actually asked the coaches to give these players training programmes to follow at home . . . We are hoping that as they come into this camp fitness levels have gone up a bit.”
This weekend’s camp will see the technical team trimming the provisional squad to 16 players that will return for the final camp on September 3 to 13.
“This coming camp is meant to trim them to 16 players.
“We want to trim to 16 so that, come the 3rd of September, we are working with those players. We are having the final camp before travelling from the 3rd up to the 13th.
“From the 3rd to 6th we allow them to train, all the 16 players, then they trim the other two after the fourth day to remain with 14,” Ncube said.
The IHF Nations Trophy is a new senior competition designed to support developing nations, introduced this year.
The tournament takes off with zonal competitions.
Winners from the zones are expected to advance to the continental event scheduled for later this year.
According to the IHF, a key sporting condition is that national federations which have qualified for two out of the last three IHF World Championships are no longer eligible to participate in the IHF Nations Trophy, ensuring the competition remains focused on developing nations.
Should a federation that was previously not eligible fail to qualify for two consecutive World Championships, they will become eligible to re-enter the programme.
From the second cycle onwards, at least 30 percent of the athletes in each squad must have previously competed in the IHF Trophy competitions at youth or junior level, reinforcing continuity of the broader IHF Trophy pathway.
Provisional squad
Pamela Sibanda, Melrose Tangwena, Tolay Zisengwe, Ashyline Sibiya, Paidamoyowashe Chatikobo, Tanaka Chekwa, Tawananyasha Gamanya, Nobuhle Gauti, Stella Gwangwava, Tanyaradzwa Kahari, Victoria Makina, Melissa Makuwe, Ndaiziweyi Mandikiyana, Tecla Mandova, Mitchell Masawi, Beauty Mashamba, Sarah Matutu, Patience Mbedzi, Robyn Mhembere, Praise Muchucha, Ruvimbo Mudyanadzo, Natalia Murindaguru, Revai Mutenha, Edwick Mwale, Sibusisiwe Mzizi, Sibanesihle Ndlovu, Sharon Ndlovu.
