Zimbabwe Korfball Federation (ZKF) president Tarirai Chadebah has challenged tertiary institutions to take a leading role in developing the sport, saying the inaugural Tertiary Korfball Appreciation Tournament provides a foundation for nurturing talent and expanding the game in Zimbabwe.
Chadebah made the call in Mutare on Thursday when he officially opened the tournament at Mutare Polytechnic, where athletes from tertiary institutions are competing in an initiative aimed at strengthening the sport's development pathway.
Running from October 14 to 18, the tournament combines competitive matches with skills development sessions and awareness programmes designed to promote korfball beyond the playing field.
“This tournament is not just about competition; it is about building a foundation for the future of korfball in Zimbabwe,” Chadebah said.
He described the inaugural competition as the beginning of a new chapter for the sport within the tertiary education sector, expressing hope that institutions would help establish a stronger and more structured competitive environment.
Tertiary institutions representative Dr Zendah also urged athletes to approach the competition with discipline and commitment, challenging them to use the platform to improve their performance and contribute to the growth of the game.
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“You have the potential to transform this sport. Approach every match with discipline, passion, and the ambition to grow,” he said.
ZKF secretary-general Angeline Kashangura welcomed the turnout, encouraging participants to take the sport seriously and pursue opportunities to compete in leagues beyond their respective institutions.
Beyond the official matches, the tournament features mixed development sessions that bring together players from different institutions to exchange skills, experience different playing styles and improve their tactical understanding.
Although official matches remain institution-based, the mixed sessions are intended to promote teamwork, communication and adaptability among players.
The programme also includes a drug and substance abuse awareness campaign, extending the tournament's focus to the broader welfare of participating athletes.
The event comes as the federation seeks to strengthen korfball's presence in tertiary institutions and create opportunities for emerging players to develop their skills through organised competition.
By bringing athletes from different institutions together, the tournament is expected to provide a platform for talent identification, experience-sharing and the development of relationships that could support the sport's growth in Zimbabwe.
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