Brandon Mutene: A Handball Journey from Zimbabwe t...

Brandon Mutene: A Handball Journey from Zimbabwe to America

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

Brandon Mutede is a dedicated handball player from Zimbabwe, who has carved out a remarkable path in the sport. Growing up in Mfakose and later moving to Chitungwiza, he found his passion for handball while attending Howard High School.

“I wanted a sport to belong to, that’s how I started playing handball,” he recalls, reflecting on his beginnings in 2010 during a Salvation Army schools ball game.

Inspired by a professional match, Brandon saw a vision of himself representing his country on a grand stage. “Seeing French players playing motivated me to pursue handball to a professional level.” Despite the challenges of handball's lesser popularity in America compared to Europe, he perseveres.

“Most handball players come from different nationalities, mainly Hispanic, which makes training a challenge due to language barriers,” he explains.

Brandon has played in various leagues, including the Zimbabwe Handball League and the Cyprus KKTC Senior League, and is now competing in the United States.

“It has been a wonderful journey switching continents,” he shares proudly. Alongside his team training, he commits to personal training, hitting the gym four days a week.

His motivation is evident: “I saw a 50-year-old still playing handball, and that alone motivates me to keep playing.”

One of his most cherished memories is winning gold at the U16 National Championship in 2011. “We played barefoot in the final and went on to win gold; we were all dust and joyful,” he recalls, cherishing the humble beginnings that shaped his career.

Brandon aspires to elevate the sport in Zimbabwe, aiming to create a strong team that can compete at the Olympic level. “I might not be playing, but I want to see it happen,” he asserts.

"Training schedules allow players to balance their daily lives, as practices typically occur in the evening. “It gives us time to engage in our personal life during the day and handball in the evening,” he notes.

His advice to fellow players is straightforward yet powerful: “Stay motivated to achieve more, don’t stay in your comfort zone, be humble, and don’t wait for someone to do it for you.”

By introducing more people to the sport and winning trophies, he aims to increase handball’s popularity. “We are doing a great job in the handball union in America,” he says, expressing hope for more international tournaments in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Brandon's journey reflects resilience and dedication, embodying the spirit of a true athlete committed to both personal growth and the development of handball.