Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Handball Federation technical director Bekezela Ncube believes they are in the right direction in their development efforts with the youth and junior teams showing consistence at regional events.
ZHF recently had the Under-18 and Under-20 competing at the International Handball Federation Zone VI Trophy in Lusaka, Zambia.
The Under-20 for the third time in a row were crowned champions and qualified for the Continental Phase.
The Under-18 were runners-up once again after losing to Zambia in the final.
“Let me say we are happy about our talent development.
“This is because some of the players who were in the Under-20 category were the Under-18s in 2024, so this shows we are heading in the right direction in terms of talent development.
“We are not starting afresh every time, but we have a process of players moving from one category to the other,” Ncube said.
The team included the likes of Tanatswa Mapolisa, Shawn Mvuto and Blessing Botoman, who were part of the Under-18 side that represented the country at the 2024 edition.
With the Under-20 side set to compete at the Continental Phase later this year, plans are already underway to ensure the team is ready for competition.
This is going to be the third consecutive edition; Zimbabwe is fielding their junior team at the continental competition.
The past two editions proved to be tough for Zimbabwe, failing to go beyond the group stages.
The national federation is aware, they have to step up in terms of providing the needed resources and an enabling environment for the team to be in a position to compete against some of the top countries in Africa.
“For the Under-20s, we have made a programme for periodic camps up until we go to Cote d’Ivoire.
“The team will undergo rigorous training and some friendly matches with local clubs and neighbouring countries,” said Ncube.
With the IHF announcing the introduction of the Nations Trophy this year, a new senior competition de-signed to support developing nations, ZHF are hoping they can retain the talent and ensure there is continuity feeding into senior teams.
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.
“This is a big milestone for Zimbabwe handball.
“Our senior players were only playing handball in local clubs and, after that nothing else.
“This also is a good way for talent development from junior to senior podium performance.
“Those Under-20 that are no longer eligible for junior teams are the ones that we will incorporate into the senior teams.
“This will make sure that there is a pathway for our boys from Under-18, to Under-20 then senior national teams,” said Ncube.
The competition will be held at zonal level just like the youth and junior competitions. And for Africa, the winners from the zones will earn a place at the CAHB African Championship.
