Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
NATIONAL Under-20 men’s coach Tafadzwa Madure feels the victory against South Africa in their opening game at the ongoing International Handball Federation Trophy Zone VI tournament is a huge motivation for his side.
The tournament running until Saturday, got underway yesterday at the Olympic Youth Development Centre in Lusaka, Zambia with both the Under-20 and Under-18 teams in action.
It was a good day for Zimbabwean teams with the Under-20 side defeating South Africa 33-15 in their first group A game.
“We played really, good handball today against South Africa. Despite the match ball being slippery it was a great game and this a great motivation for the coming games.
“This is in fact a great morale booster for the team and we will use this match to assess what we need to improve for tomorrow’s match,” said Madure.
Zimbabwe take on Namibia today in their second game, hoping for another favourable result.
Madure said they need to make some adjustments on the defence.
“Our defence was good even though for some few moments it was sloppy. So, we shall video-analyse it with the team for corrections.
“As we play Namibia tomorrow our approach remains, every game is the final,” Madure said.
It was also a good day for the youth side as Zimbabwe beat Malawi 59-20 in group B.
Zimbabwe is up against Eswatini today in the Under-18 section.
Coach Farai Mukundu was pleased with the outcome.
“We started slowly I think it’s due to tiredness from the travelling we did yesterday. The boys are looking sharp and I hope they carry the same momentum.
“The victory allows us to have less pressure going into the next games since we have managed to put some points on the table.
“We have to just work a bit more on the defence because that was lacking in the first game and needs a lot of improvement.
“We have to take every match as it comes and we are going to fight for it till the last whistle.”
Eight countries are participating in both the Under-20 and Under-18 age-groups and were divided into two pools of four. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals scheduled for Friday.
For Zimbabwe, having both teams off to a winning start, gives them the impetus to continue with the good run today and secure spots in the semi-finals.
They are the defending champions in the Under-20 and are hoping to retain the title having emerged top in the last two editions. After finishing second twice behind Zambia, the Under-18s would want a change of fortunes and grab the title.
The regional tournament is doubling as a qualifier for the Continental Phase.
