Zimbabwe’s Under-18 and Under-20 men’s handball teams are gearing up for the International Handball Federation (IHF) Zone VI Trophy tournament, scheduled to take place from 28 April to 3 May in Lusaka, Zambia. With eight nations expected to compete, the regional showpiece promises high-level competition and a vital platform for emerging talent.
The Under-20 squad enters the tournament as the firm favourites and defending champions, having secured gold in both the 2022 and 2024 editions. Their objective remains resolute: retain the title and reaffirm Zimbabwe’s dominance in Southern African handball.
Meanwhile, the Under-18 side, which earned silver medals in the last two tournaments, is determined to go one step further this year and clinch the championship trophy.
Both squads have undergone intensive preparations at a training camp hosted by Harare High School, where the focus remained on sharpening technical skills, fostering teamwork, and instilling tactical discipline.
Under-18 head coach, Farai Malvern Mukundu, expressed confidence in his squad’s readiness:
“The boys are prepared and eager to implement our training. We cannot guarantee results, but we are hopeful for a strong performance.”
Mukundu also extended his gratitude to the federation, parents, and the wider community for their unwavering support during the build-up to the tournament.
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At a formal send-off ceremony and Licensed D coaching certification held at Queen Elizabeth School, Peter Mudzimiri, the Acting Director-General of the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC), delivered a stirring charge to the athletes. His remarks were presented by the Harare Provincial Coordinator, Cleopatra Mareverwa:
“As you represent Zimbabwe, you carry the hopes and ambitions of the nation. Strive to compete and excel at both regional and continental levels. Take this opportunity to learn, interact with other cultures, and expose yourselves to new techniques and styles of play.”
The ceremony was attended by prominent sporting figures, including Marlene Chiedza Gadzirayi, Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, underscoring the national importance of youth sports development.
Beyond the players' departure, the event celebrated a milestone in technical development with the certification of several Licensed D coaches. Mudzimiri encouraged the graduates to return to their respective institutions to modernise the sport:
“Apply your knowledge effectively, embrace modern technologies, and work towards achieving podium performances.”
One of the newly certified coaches, Shemiah Bota, expressed his gratitude for the professional development opportunity:
“I will use the knowledge gained to develop players and support fellow coaches.”
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