Zim to Host IHF Trophy Zone VI Women’s Handball To...

Zim to Host IHF Trophy Zone VI Women’s Handball Tournament

Patience Muchemwa | Senior Reporter

Zimbabwe is set to host the IHF Trophy Zone VI Women’s Under-18 and Under-20 handball tournaments from April 29 to May 3, 2025. The Under-20 matches will be held at the Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza, while the Under-18 games are scheduled for Sunrise Sports Club in Belvedere, Harare.

The tournament serves as a qualifier for the Continental Phase of the IHF Trophy Africa, offering the region’s best teams a pathway to international competition.

Preparations are nearing completion, with the Zimbabwe Handball Federation (ZHF) expressing confidence in hosting a successful event. The Under-20 team, led by Team Manager Matimbe Emmaculate, has been in camp since last Sunday and has finalized its squad.

“Preparations are at an advanced stage. We have been in camp since last Sunday and already have our final team lists. We are very much prepared for the games. During our final preparations this week, we managed to load the players a lot, and they have very good game coordination. We are hoping for the best results,” said Matimbe.

Under-20 head coach Shemaiah Bota acknowledged that while preparation time was limited, the team remains optimistic.

“We didn’t have enough time to train our players to be nearly perfect, but with the knowledge we have imparted, we have faith that we can bring something,” said Bota.

Meanwhile, Under-18 coach Ozil Gono expressed confidence in his team’s readiness, noting significant improvements in skills and teamwork during recent training sessions.

“We've been focusing on both physical conditioning and strategic plays,” Gono said, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical preparation. He added that the team has been analyzing past performances to strengthen its approach.

“Our goal is to enter the competition with a clear strategy and the confidence to execute it,” he stated.

With both squads motivated and prepared, Zimbabwe will be aiming to capitalize on home advantage and secure qualification to the next stage of the prestigious IHF Trophy Africa competition.