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Sports Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Handball Federation have partnered Ihsan International in a move that will see the sports equipment manufacturers dressing the senior national teams and provide some training equipment.
The national association signed a three-year partnership with the Pakistan-based company.
Ihsan will support the national teams with various items including 25 x size 2 and 25 x size 3 handball balls, 40 tracksuits and 40 golf shirts that will cover the senior men and women as well as playing and practice kits.
There will also be 50 practice balls and 100 training cones per year for a period of three years.
The sponsorship is worth US$10 000.
Speaking at the partnership agreement signing ceremony at the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee offices in Harare yesterday, ZHF president Beauty Mtsambiwa described the partnership as a historic moment for handball.
“If we are to look at the history there are similarities between Zimbabwe handball and Ihsan as we both come from humble beginnings,” Mtsambiwa said.
“Looking back to where both brands came from and where we are today, bares testimony to the fact that through perseverance and hard work, success is achievable.
“Forging ties with Ihsan and their reputation for bringing high quality sport kits and innovative marketing takes us a step closer to our goals.
“We commend Ihsan for having had a foresight in joining forces with us and thereby making a meaningful contribution in the development of handball in Zimbabwe. We look forward to a long lasting mutually beneficial relationship,” said Mtsambiwa.
ZHF are looking at fielding the men and women’s teams for the African Games qualifiers that are expected to take place on a date to be announced.
The top team in each category – men and women will qualify for the continental Games rescheduled for March 2024.
And the sponsorship from Ihsan is expected to motivate the players.
Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the previous Games.
Ihsan representative at the signing ceremony, Kingston Makiwa said they look forward to increase the support as the relationship grows.
“As the relationship with Zimbabwe Handball (Federation) grows we look forward to increase our support and sponsor the handball national league.
“Handball is a fast growing brand which we are happy to be associated with and we are very much happy to note that Zimbabwe Handball is one of the fully compliant national sport associations in Zimbabwe,” said Makiwa.
Makiwa thanked the company’s director Majid Khan for the partnership and Pakistan Ambassador to Zimbabwe Murad Baseer for his support for the partnership.
Baseer, who was the guest of honour at yesterday’s event, commended the corporation between the involved parties.
“I believe the sport of handball has immense support here and I believe that we can work together to enhance the sport among youths.
“It’s a great moment for IHSAN sport Pakistan to be collaborating with the Zimbabwe Handball Federation in their endeavours.
“I believe this corporation will go a long way in institutionalising, promoting and development the sports in Zimbabwe and I am glad that a Pakistan company is involved in this.
“Pakistan Embassy is very much part of this endeavor, we are trying to promote Pakistan companies, sporting companies to take part and sponsor and sport in Zimbabwe, so far so good,” said Baseer.
ZHF technical director Farai Gwisai initiated the partnership.
Among those who witnessed the signing ceremony were ZOC acting chief executive Memory Pakati ZHF officials Edson Chirowodza and Gwisai, and Sports Leaders Institute of Zimbabwe president Russel Mhiribidi.
Online Reporter