Nkosilathi Sibanda, [email protected]
ZIMBABWE is on course for gold at the on-going boys Under-18 and Under-20 International Handball Federation (IHF) Zone VI Trophy challenge in Harare and Chitungwiza.The Under-18s have reached the semi-finals in the tournament which started on Monday and is set to end on May 11.
Eight countries, the hosts, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland are participating at the tournament.The Under-18s are playing at Sunrise Sports Club in Harare, with the Under-20s at the Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza.
Zimbabwe were in Group A in the Under-18s, competing against Malawi, Lesotho and South Africa. In the Under-20 category, the hosts played in Group B where there was Malawi, Swaziland and Mozambique.
In their first game, Zimbabwe’s Under-18 team beat Lesotho 37-15, while the Under-20s beat Swaziland 55-18.
The second round of matches also produced victories for the home sides. The Under-18 boys team thrashed South Africa 43-15. Another triumph was celebrated as the Under-20s beat Mozambique 26-22.
On Wednesday, Zimbabwe played against Malawi and won 55-23.
The Under-18 team is coached by Allen Mandeya while the Under-20s are under the tutelage of Cephas Mshati.
The tournament is being handled by 10 referees from North and East African countries.
Zimbabwe Handball Federation secretary-general Edson Chirowodza applauded teams that made it to the competition.
He said the games started smoothly and they were anticipating to have an exciting week.
“The games are on. We are proud to have been given the nod to host the IHF Zone VI trophy challenge. We expect exciting and competitive action,” said Chirowodza.
Team Zimbabwe players:
U18: Kuziva Dokora, Munyaradzi Shumbayaonda, Tanatswa Mapolisa, Josepha Amos, Anele Ncube, Johane Musamwira, Inzwiraishe Mushai, Tichafara Mabvakure, Leon Chivanga, Blessing Botman, Methembe Mdluli, McDonald Mutyanda, Sean Mvuto, Dominic Ndou
U20: Nkosilathi Khumalo, Felix Manyai, Shown Thomas, Donelly Shonhiwa, Craynne Kuvaronza, Charles Ndoro, Blessed Musarurwa, Namishibb Gamanya, Russell Masuku, Matthew Majoko, Munyaradzi Mhlanga, Tatenda Matasva, Don-Ritchie Shato, Takunda Munotumani.
-@NkosieLegend
