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Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Handball Federation technical director Farai Gwisai says they are pulling all the stops to try and ensure their teams make the cut for the African Games rescheduled for next year. They missed the previous Games after they failed to qualify. The continental Games, which used to be known as the All-Africa Games, were initially set for this year in Ghana before being rescheduled to March next year.
Although they are yet to get confirmation on the actual dates for the qualifiers, Gwisai said they have already begun their build-up and have o engaged Zambia for friendly matches.
And with only the top team in each category — men and women, qualifying for the Games from each Zone, they have to up their game. “On our preparations we have already started. We had the men’s team in camp I think two weeks ago and then I think we are going to have our ladies coming into camp again in two weeks’ time, soon after elections. So, we are preparing to play the qualifiers.
“Our previous participation in African Games (qualifiers), we failed to qualify. We were number two and Zambia qualified.
“So, ideally, we are hoping that if we prepare well in terms of making sure that our players get the correct physical fitness and the technical and tactical skills, we will be able to qualify for the African Games.
“The (men’s) team we have, they have been together for four years. They started together at Under-18. So, we may qualify because it has been a long-term programme.”
Zimbabwe are looking at fielding both the men and women’s teams.
“They (women) had periodic camps before. I think last year they had about two or three periodic camps. So hopefully as we start preparing, we have some who played last year Under-18 and 20s. They are the ones who are going to fit in and from our club system,” said Gwisai.
ZHF have since partnered Ihsan International in a move that will see the sporting equipment manufacturing company dressing the senior national teams and provide some sporting equipment.
The national association signed a three-year partnership with the Pakistan-based company.
Gwisai said it will go a long way in their efforts to have the senior teams become active regularly. “It really motivates the players because if we look at all the other age-groups, we normally play Zone VI Africa Champions Trophy, they are funded. But with the senior men and women they are not funded, so it will motivate obviously the players to take part.
“But the challenge is on the preparation on the camp, camping and food for the players, that one needs also to be looked into. I can say around US$30 000 it can help us,” said Gwisai. The senior teams were last competitive in 2019 at the African Games qualifiers.
ZHF president Beauty Mtsambiwa added that they have been invited by Zambia for friendly matches.
“So, our plan is to play outside Zimbabwe. We have already secured the friendlies with Zambia. They wanted us to go there, end of this month, but because of elections we said give us time, we will give you dates.
“It’s on their invitation, they invited us and we are happy that we are going to play with them. They are going to provide free accommodation, which means we have to look for money for transport,” said Mtsambiwa.
Online Reporter