ZIMBABWE’S Under-20 men’s handball team leaves the country this evening for Côte d’Ivoire, where it will compete at the 33rd African Men’s Junior Handball Championship from September 5 to 12.
The young handballers completed their final preparations at the Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza before setting off for the continental competition, carrying with them the confidence gained from their impressive Zone VI triumph in Lusaka, Zambia, earlier this year.
Zimbabwe secured gold at the IHF Trophy Zone 6 tournament, earning its place at the African championship and setting the stage for a major test against some of the continent’s best junior sides.
The team’s final camp also received a motivational boost on Thursday morning when Malawi Handball representative Precious Mbemba visited the squad and shared words of encouragement ahead of their departure.
Mbemba’s message came at an important moment for the young players as they prepare to make their mark on the continental stage.
Zimbabwe Handball Federation president Taurai Muberekwa said the team’s Zone VI success was a reflection of the commitment and hard work shown by both the players and the technical team.
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“The Under-20 team has shown great potential. Winning gold in Zone VI was a result of commitment, discipline and hard work from the players and the technical team. The African championship will give these young athletes an opportunity to compete at a higher level and gain valuable experience,” Muberekwa said.
He said the federation was committed to creating a clear pathway for young players to develop and represent the country at international level.
“We are building a system where young players are identified, developed and given opportunities to represent Zimbabwe. These tournaments are important because they expose our athletes to international competition and help them grow,” he said.
The tournament will provide Zimbabwe’s youngsters with an opportunity to measure themselves against the continent’s top junior teams while gaining valuable international experience.
After months of preparation and the confidence gained from their Zone VI success, the Young Warriors now turn their attention to Côte d’Ivoire, with the hope of flying the Zimbabwean flag high on the continental stage.
The team leaves with the support of the Zimbabwean handball fraternity and a nation hoping to see another strong performance from its rising generation of handball talent.
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