Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Handball Federation are racing against time to get their Under-18 and Under-20 men’s teams into camp, with just two weeks left before the IHF Zone VI Trophy throws off in Lusaka, Zambia.
What should be the final phase of preparations has instead been pushed back again, the federation still scrambling for resources to fund the camp.
The teams were initially expected in camp earlier, but those plans have now shifted to Friday, if funding comes through in time.
ZHF president Taurai Muberekwa did not sugar-coat the situation, the numbers simply not adding up.
“There are no changes in as far as our financial situation is concerned. We are still struggling with lack of finances to fully cater for the camp.
“We are now hoping to start it on the 17th given the fact that we might have finances by then, and then with the reduced days we might be able cater for them,” said Muberekwa.
That delay comes at a cost.
With limited time together, the technical team will have to compress weeks of work into a few days, a gamble heading into a regional tournament where margins are tight and preparation often makes the difference.
“However, this has got a negative impact on our preparations because as we were looking at the fitness, we wanted our teams to be fit.
“We also wanted our technical team to have enough time with our players.
“But now they are most likely to get into camp on the 17th. They start their training on the 18th up to the day of departure.
“Our only challenge remains the finances but that is our plan which we have now.”
The federation is hoping to base the teams at Queen Elizabeth School once camp finally gets underway.
Initial projections had the budget sitting around US$12 500, but even that will now be revised in line with the shortened camp, a compromise forced by the realities on the ground.
Zimbabwe go into the tournament with a record to protect.
The country hosted the last two editions of the men’s competition in 2022 and 2024, with the junior side lifting the title both times after beating Zambia, before going on to represent the region at the continental phase.
That pedigree brings its own pressure.
The juniors are expected to defend their crown, while the youth side, beaten finalists against Zambia last time out, return with unfinished business.
But without adequate preparation, those ambitions now hang in the balance.
