Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports
ZIMBABWE senior women’s team coach Tawanda Mapira is upbeat that his charges will deliver at the International Handball Federation Nations Trophy Africa — Zone VI tournament that comes to life today in Zambia.
The five-day competition runs until Saturday in Lusaka.
Eight countries — Eswatini, South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe and hosts Zambia – are expected to compete for honours.
The Zimbabwean side left for Lusaka early yesterday, having spent more than a week in camp finalising their preparations.
They had met twice before the final camp.
“There has been remarkable progression from our first camp to the final and travelling camp, both in organisation and state of preparedness.
“We managed to do some work-outs with the athletes and put attacking and defensive systems in place. Let me hasten to say that their level of performance has improved marginally and satisfactorily.
“We know very well that we are going to play seasoned players who actually play in professional leagues.
“We are going to give it our all. We are ready to maximise on their weaknesses; who knows, gold might be looming,” said Mapira.
The participating nations were drawn into two groups of four each. Zimbabwe will face Malawi, Mozambique and Lesotho in Group B.
Group A is made up of Zambia, Namibia, South Africa and Eswatini.
The top two teams from each group progress to the semi-final.
Zimbabwe get the ball rolling against Lesotho today and will be out to start their campaign on a positive.
Mapira says they would want to go all the way to the final, and are not underestimating any team.
“We treat every game with all seriousness, and respect every team.
“Morale in the camp is very high with lots of expectations. The ladies are raring to go.
“On the other side, we have trivial worries owing to some injuries sustained during training.
“We hope they recover soonest to strengthen our ammunition. We promise nothing short of a thunderous performance, knowing very well that the whole nation of Zimbabwe is rallying behind us.”
“We want to prove Zimbabwe has got talent. We want to prove that we are actually a force to reckon with,” added Mapira.
Team
Ashyline Sibiya, Sibusisiwe Mzizi, Tolay Zisengwe, Ruvimbo Mudyanadzo, Sheldon Nyamukondiwa, Pamela Sibanda, Beauty Mashamba, Natalia Murindaguru, Sibanesihle Ndlovu, Revai Mutenha, Sarah Matutu, Tanaka Muchekwa, Ndaiziweyi Mandikiyana, Melissa Makuwe, Tanyaradzwa Kahari, Melrose Tangwena.
