Zimbabwe’s Senior Panthers and Under-19 national korfball teams have departed for Blantyre, Malawi, where they will compete in the 2026 Africa Korfball Championship from September 18 to 20.
The tournament will feature the senior Africa Korfball Championship and the inaugural IKF Under-19 All-Africa Korfball Championship, giving Zimbabwe’s senior and young players an opportunity to compete against some of the continent’s strongest teams.
Senior Panthers head coach Reuben Taruwinga said Blantyre 2026 would be one of the team’s biggest tests.
“We’ve been building this team for years. The boys and girls have put in the work in Harare, in the heat, with limited resources, but with unlimited heart,” Taruwinga said.
“We are not going to Malawi to participate. We are going to compete. Our focus has been on three things: speed, unity and discipline.”
Captain Clare Kanhodo will lead the Senior Panthers, with Dylan serving as vice-captain.
Taruwinga said African korfball was growing rapidly, with Malawi, Zambia and Kenya among the countries strengthening their programmes.
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“Africa is growing fast. Malawi, Zambia and Kenya all have strong programmes. But Zimbabwe has something different: hunger. We want to put Zimbabwe on the IKF world map,” he said.
The coach said Zimbabwe was targeting a place in the semi-finals and hoped to compete for a medal.
Meanwhile, the Under-19 team will be led by captain Tadana Mangwanya, with Prosper Chahweta serving as vice-captain.
Head coach Tonderai Kisimusi said leadership would be important during the continental competition.
“At Under-19 level, we need leaders who are mature, disciplined, confident and able to control the game when situations become difficult,” Kisimusi said.
Safeguarding officer and referee Pedzai Killion said confidence would be important for the Under-19 side.
“The Under-19 team needs confidence. They have better playing skills than they sometimes show. If they believe in themselves, they can match anyone at this level,” he said.
The teams will regroup and acclimatise in Malawi ahead of the championship as Zimbabwe seeks to make its mark on the continental stage.
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