Sunshine City Handball Championships kick off as S...

Sunshine City Handball Championships kick off as Sparrows beat Panthers

Patience Muchemwa

Zim Now Reporter

Sparrows beat Panthers 15-11 in one of the six electrifying matches of the second edition of the Sunshine City Handball Championships at the City Sports Centre yesterday.

This was one of the matches that reached new levels of excitement I’ both the men's and women’s divisions.

Harare City Queens also asserted their prowess over Tigresses in the women’s category.

In the men’s division, Titans solidified their status as a formidable team with an impressive win over Harare City Kings. The day’s matches set a high standard for the rest of the tournament, promising even more thrilling action going forward.

UZ Wildcats emerged victorious over the Manyame Falcons after winning 18-17.

In an interview with Zim Now, Harare City HC head coach Jeffrey Mavhunga said he is expecting even more teams to join in tomorrow because it will be a weekend.

“Since it was a working day, most clubs didn’t have their full squads, but the games went well, and we expect fireworks tomorrow since it’s a Saturday.”

UZ Wildcats vice captain, Alfred Bushe said the game was a bit tough for their team.

“The game was a bit tough as falcons showed great improvement based on the last match we played in Bulawayo.”

Matches are continuing today as teams fight for the finals.

Secretary-general of Harare City Handball Club, who is also chairperson of Sunshine City Handball Championships, Jabulani Mafanya shared his analysis for the tournament saying: “The games started and progressed well. The rivalry which started in the Bulawayo Zits tournament held last week where UZ Wildcats defeated Manyame Falcons in the final match continued as they kick-started the games.

“UZ Wildcats, again, got the better of the Handball giants and silver medalists of the Championship with a narrow win.

“The heavily depleted defending champions Harare City lost to Harare Poly Titans, setting the tone for a very exciting tournament with no obvious results.

“Women teams also fought their battles, but the results did not produce any surprises.

Defending champions Manyame Sparrows are already through to the semi-finals after winning both of their group games while silver medalists Harare City Queens are also through to the semi-finals.”