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Caroline Magenga Sports Reporter
HARARE’S Girls High School were the toast of the local teams after scooping the gold medal in the Zimbabwe Handball Federation’s President’s Tournament held last weekend at Houghton Park Primary School.

The championships were dominated by visiting teams from Mozambique, who were always a class ahead in most of the categories between the two countries. A total of 33 local teams took part in the event and were joined by three others from Mozambique.

But Harare’s Girls High School ensured the hosts had something to smile about after winning the women’s section. On their way to glory, Girls High beat Mozambican club Mafambisse 13-12 before proceeding to clash with Danhamombe in the final where they won 8-6 to claim the President’s Trophy.

Team coach Robert Chavata said he was impressed by their performance and by the fact that they had managed to keep the women’s trophy at home.

“The girls really played well as there was a lot of competition particularly in their quarter-finals match against the Mozambican team and in the final against our local rivals Danhamombe. They were under a lot of pressure but they maintained their cool and just stuck to the strategies we have perfected over time. I am so proud of them.

“A lot was riding on us winning the trophy as the men failed to win gold or silver so we are happy we managed it. This was our last tournament of the year and I am glad we ended it on a good note,” said Chavata.

Chitungwiza-based club TS Alliance lost to Mozambican clubs Dondo and eventual champions Atletico to redeem the country with a bronze.

Though his side performed well, Mozambique coach Miguel Balira said he was disappointed with the refereeing particularly in the women’s game.

“The refereeing was not good especially for our women, the players were constantly being taken out even when there was no genuine cause.

“Besides that the ground we were playing in during the semi-finals is not even up to standard, there were no nets on the goal posts which made it difficult to tell when someone scored, we were not happy about that. But I am happy that our men’s teams did well,” said Balira.

Winning teams walked away with floating trophies, individual medals and kits.

Amon Madzvamuse, the president of the Zimbabwe Handball Federation, was pleased with the outcome of the tournament which he described as “highly successful”.

“I’m glad that we managed to stage this year’s President’s Tournament without facing any major hitches. There were a few problems here and there but I think the tournament went on very well and the competition was high.”