UZ Wildcats and Mutare Poly Crowned Handball Champ...

UZ Wildcats and Mutare Poly Crowned Handball Champions at 2025 ZTISU Games

Patience Muchemwa, Senior Reporter

The Zimbabwe Tertiary Institutions Sports Union Games brought vibrant energy to Bulawayo from June 25 to 27, 2025, with handball emerging as one of the most compelling and competitive disciplines on display.

The tournament not only showcased thrilling matches and passionate rivalries but also celebrated the rise of new champions and the development of promising talent in Zimbabwe’s tertiary sports scene.

The University of Zimbabwe Wildcats proved to be the dominant force in the men’s handball category. Their blend of tactical discipline, athleticism, and unwavering determination saw them clinch the gold medal after a string of commanding performances.

Harare Polytechnic claimed the silver medal, while Great Zimbabwe University secured third place with a strong finish.

The Wildcats’ triumph marks a historic achievement for the team, as it is their first time securing both the ZUSA and ZTISU gold medals in the same season. Head coach Valentine Masaiti could not hide his pride in the team’s performance.

“It is such a great moment for this group of players, as it is their first time ever winning both ZUSA gold and ZTISU gold for their team. I'm so proud of them for this great achievement,” said Masaiti.

He emphasized that the team had set high objectives at the beginning of the year.

“We started out the year with very clear goals of winning at least 90% of the tournaments we participated in. I’m glad that we are well on our way to achieving this.”

Reflecting on the importance of the ZTISU Games in their broader sporting ambitions, he added: “In terms of preparations for the Italy tour, the ZTISU tournament served as a timely preparation and confidence boost. The boys are in a no-nonsense mood currently and are not taking any prisoners. My hope is this will continue to Italy and beyond.”

In the women’s division, Mutare Polytechnic delivered an inspired and commanding performance that earned them the gold medal. They were closely followed by Harare Polytechnic, who secured silver, while the United College of Education took home the bronze. Harare Poly's goalkeeper, Blessing Mbedzi, shared her thoughts on the tournament, expressing appreciation for the increasing competitiveness of the sport.

“We thoroughly enjoyed the ZTISU Games. The level of competition showcased significant growth and improvement in Zimbabwe's handball community, particularly among the teachers' colleges,” she said.

She also applauded the organizational effort and sponsorship behind the event.

“The players’ dedication and skills were truly impressive. The medals were a wonderful touch. Thank you, Carling Black Label Beer, and we appreciate the hard work of all involved.”

At the same time, Mbedzi offered constructive feedback: “To the referees, we are looking forward to more consistent and fair judgment in the future.”

This year’s handball tournament at the ZTISU Games served as a powerful reminder of the role that sport plays in fostering unity, excellence, and ambition across Zimbabwe’s tertiary institutions. The matches featured disciplined defensive setups, quick counterattacks, and intense passion from both players and supporters. The overall quality of play pointed to an encouraging upward trend in the development of handball in the country.

The inclusion of high-performance goals, such as international tours, suggests a shift toward a more professional approach to preparation and competition.

As the dust settles on the 2025 ZTISU Games, there is a palpable sense of momentum and optimism surrounding handball in Zimbabwe.

The achievements of institutions like the University of Zimbabwe and Mutare Polytechnic not only demonstrate what is possible through commitment and vision but also lay a foundation for even greater success in the future.

Handball is no longer just a recreational pursuit in Zimbabwe’s tertiary system—it is rapidly becoming a symbol of excellence, strategy, and national pride.