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Ellina Mhlanga, Zimpapers Sports Hub
AS Zimbabwe Handball Federation gear up to host International Handball Federation Trophy Zone VI Women, technical director Farai Gwisai says they have begun the groundwork to ensure they have formidable teams for the competition.
Zimbabwe got the green light to host the youth and junior women’s tournament from April 28 to May 4 in Harare.
“We have already started camps for the ladies, selection camps from last year. We had about three or four of these camps for talent identification.
“We are now hoping that end of January all these teams are going to report for camp, a periodic camp. I think a one-week camp, we start to work on tactics in preparation for the competition.”
Sipho Mahlangu is taking charge of junior side and Ozwell Gono is the head coach for the youth team.
The provisional squads are made up of 30 players for each age group.
The players are currently working with individual programmes ahead of the periodic camp expected end of this month.
“Already we have managed to give them a training programme, a conditioning training programme because what is very critical at this level is fitness.
“It actually lacks on our ladies’ side.
“We have given them a fitness programme that they have been working with, sending videos to the coaches. And when they come back for the training sessions, we are going to make sure that we do a fitness test.
“Most of them are playing in the clubs” said Gwisai.
At the previous edition held in South Africa, in 2023, Zimbabwe managed to send only the junior side and found the going tough.
As they focus on the forthcoming competition, Gwisai believes they are in a better place in terms of competitiveness and also being the hosts.
“Remember Under-18s did not take part because of the registration protocols at the last tournament.
“But we are happy that we have some of the Under-18s that have graduated to Under-20, who are seasonal in the game of handball and our performance, hopefully, this year is going to improve.
“They are playing club games, they are also playing in schools, leagues are functioning, they are playing handball.
“We are hoping that this year they are going to improve because last time we had challenges that we were coming from the covid-19 pandemic.
“Selection for the ladies was a problem . . . 2021 and 2022, there was no proper handball, we should have had preparation in 2022. But that year, 2022, there was no proper handball,” he said.
The ZHF technical director said they need to be realistic on their expectations and is looking at the teams making the semi-finals.
“We are only targeting to get in the semifinals. That’s our target for now. Any other improvements will be a bonus to us.”
Zimbabwe have hosted the last two editions for the men’s competition and on both occasions the junior team won gold, qualifying for the Continental Phase in the process.
The youth side twice placed second.
Gwisai believes, playing at home is a motivation for the players.
“Mostly when we are hosting it motivates us in terms of our performance. Most of the time where we have performed well is when we hosted. It also motivates the players,” Gwisai said.
Online Reporter