International Korfball Federation (IKF) Secretary General and Council Member Joana Faria has praised the spirit of friendship and unity displayed by teams during the African Korfball Championship in Malawi.
Faria, who was making her first visit to Africa, said the tournament had demonstrated how korfball brings countries together beyond competition.
“I was impressed with the way you guys are friends before, during, and after the game. The difference can only be seen by the uniform,” Faria said during the award ceremony of the African Championship.
“Korfball united the countries as friends and family.”
Faria congratulated the participating teams and those who secured qualification for the 2027 IKF Korfball World Cup.
Zimbabwe’s Senior Panthers and Under-19 team scooped gold medals and booked their places at the global tournament, while Malawi’s Under-19 team qualified after finishing as runners-up.
IKF Africa President Tarirai Chadebah encouraged leaders of national federations to continue developing korfball in their respective countries.
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Chadebah congratulated the winning teams and wished them well as they began their journey towards the World Cup.
Zimbabwe Under-19 head coach Tonderai Kisimusi said the team’s success came despite limited resources during their preparations.
“I thank IKF for giving us this opportunity to show our talented young players. We built the team with very limited resources and managed to scoop the gold medal and lift our country’s flag high,” Kisimusi said.
With the Under-19 team now set to compete on the global stage, Kisimusi called for greater support from the federation to strengthen preparations.
“Now that we are going to face the world giants, we hope our federation will help us to prepare for this global tournament through organising some international friendly matches, organising periodic camps, among other support they can offer,” he said.
The qualification gives Zimbabwe an opportunity to take both its Senior Panthers and Under-19 team to the 2027 IKF Korfball World Cup.
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