Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE got their campaign at the International Handball Federation Senior Women’s Nations Trophy Africa — Zone VI on a winning note when dismissing Lesotho 63-7 in their opening encounter yesterday in Lusaka, Zambia.
It was a one-sided affair with the Zimbabwean side taking full control of the game from the onset to collect maximum points in their first Group B encounter.
They went into half time leading 37-2.
The eight-team tournament is running until Saturday.
Zimbabwe’s coach Tawanda Mapira was full of praise for his side as he said they played according to plan.
“Starting off by topping the group itself is quite an achievement. So, we are happy with the results.
“They played according to plan.
“They were very active. I thought perhaps the one-hour game would leave them exhausted. But it appears they are okay. No injuries,” said Mapira.
Zimbabwe’s Pamela Sibanda was voted Player of the Match.
“She was deserving. Actually, every other player was deserving. But she was more deserving, I think.
“We played very well,” Mapira said.
He believes the victory over Lesotho is a confidence booster for their next games.
“That is quite motivational, especially on the part of the players, you know, they are new; most of them are very new on this platform, and winning would motivate them.
“It goes a long way in putting us in a better place, a better position for winning. Of course, we had not seen this Lesotho team playing the other teams, but to us, that was an advantage.”
Zimbabwe face Mozambique today in their second Group B match.
Mozambique also had a good day on court yesterday as they defeated Malawi 39-32.
Both Zimbabwe and Mozambique will be chasing maximum points again today to put themselves in a good position to advance to the semi-finals.
And it is promising to be an exciting contest between the two sides.
Mapira is aware it is not going to be an easy assignment against Mozambique, and would want to see his charges carrying the momentum from yesterday into today’s game.
“We have also had an opportunity to watch the powerhouses, Malawi and Mozambique; they had the first clash. And yes, Mozambique pushed past Malawi, with, I think, about seven goals or so. “But we have since seen our opportunities, and we need to take them tomorrow (today) when we face them.
“The ladies are geared up to play Mozambique. They have seen them play.
“Initially there were some fears. When people are coming to this platform for the first time, there are a lot of fears.
“It appears all the fear is gone. They are ready to go,” said Mapira.
Group A is made up of hosts Zambia, South Africa, Namibia and Eswatini.
The top two teams from each group proceed to the semi-finals.
