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Nhlanhla Mbele
THE Zimbabwe handball federation (ZHF) has revealed that preparations for the International Handball Federation (IHF) Trophy are underway with players already having started camping for training ahead of the tournament that is set for 24-30 April.
The regional event is going to feature the Under-18 and the Under-21 male teams from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana and Malawi.
ZHF Secretary-general Edison Chirowodza said the IHF Trophy preparations are going on well and they have already started their periodic camps.
“We will have more camps tentatively each month until the tournament dates. The team will meet periodically and we have set up a local organising committee that is also helping out with the preparations for the event,” said Chirowodza.
ZHF had its first under-21 national team training camp from 7 to 9 January at Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex under the watchful eyes of local coaches.
A swiss coach, Rolf Hausser, is reported to have been engaged by the ZHF to help accomplish their vision 2024, a long-term strategy to develop strong national teams that will fight to qualify for the African and Olympic Games.
“The team is being supported financially by the Swiss Embassy. We have engaged a former Swiss National team player Rolf Haussener who will be assisted by Clemence Leonard and Innocent Kanosvova both local coaches to help with the junior men’s teams,” said Chirowodza.
Last year, Zimbabwe fielded both the youth and the junior sides for the women’s competition that was held in Zambia but they both could not make it to the top three, finishing fifth and fourth respectively.
Online Reporter