Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
NATIONAL Under-20 men’s team coach Tafadzwa Madure says they will be out for a win when they take on South Africa in their opening match today at the International Handball Federation Zone VI Trophy tournament.
The regional competition comes to life this morning with the Under-20 (junior) and Under-18 (youth) teams in action at the Olympic Youth Development Sports Complex in Lusaka, Zambia.
The tournament is running until Saturday with eight countries — Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia — participating.
The eight teams were divided into two groups of four for each age group.
Zimbabwe are competing in both the junior and youth categories.
They are the defending champions in the juniors, and they are up against Lesotho, South Africa and Namibia in Group A.
Zambia, Mozambique, Malawi and Eswatini make up Group B.
Madure is hoping they get the ball rolling with a win.
“The boys are indeed ready for the tournament physically and psychologically.
“We are going work flat out to win.
“South Africa is a good team, a very competitive team, we need that win against South Africa.
“We shall take every match like a final,” said Madure.
In the Under-18, Zimbabwe were drawn in Group B alongside South Africa, Malawi and Eswatini.
They will be in action today when they face Malawi in their first game of the tournament. Group A is made up of defending champions Zambia, Mozambique, Lesotho and Namibia.
While Zimbabwe are seeking to defend the title in the juniors, the youth side is looking at turning the tables in their favour after placing second behind Zambia at the previous two editions held in 2022 and 2024.
Farai Mukundu, who is in charge of the team, said they are geared for the challenge.
“I think we are quite ready for the tournament.
“The boys are looking sharp and I am really expecting them to give it their all when we start the games.
“We are expecting us to fight, especially looking at the background of us playing second fiddle to Zambia for the past two editions.
“We are expecting to aim a bit higher than that because already the bar that has been set, we are trying to surpass it as it is.
“I think that these guys can outperform the other guys because they have that zeal to play and they are willing to fight for the ball, fight for the game to the end,” said Mukundu.
