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CHAMPIONS’ POSSESSIONS. . . Zimbabwe Handball Federation’s marketing manager Joan Takafuma displays some of the trophies for the President’s Tournament set for Saturday and Sunday at Houghton Park Primary School in Harare

Caroline Magenga Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE Handball Federation president Amos Madzvamuse says local clubs have intensified preparations for the President’s Tournament set for this weekend in Harare. The President’s Tournament, a major annual event on the handball calendar, will be held at Houghton Park Primary School on Saturday and Sunday with 40 local clubs from across the country having so far confirmed their participation in this competition.

Foreign flair will be added with the coming in of six clubs from neighbouring countries — three apiece from Zambia and Mozambique.
“I am constantly emphasising the need for our clubs to pull up their socks and polish their act in as far as preparations for the tournament are concerned.
“It would be embarrassing to be beaten at our own home ground, so the clubs should intensify their training if they are to come out tops.

“To date all clubs from nine provinces have confirmed their participation with the exception of Matabeleland North who have not made any communication in regards to their coming here but overly we are expecting a full house.”

Malawi and South Africa, who had indicated interest to take part in this event, are still to confirm their availability.
The ZHF marketing manager Joan Takafuma said the sponsorship they had this year was a milestone apart from last year’s edition.

“We managed to rope in twice the number of sponsors in comparison to those of last year and more are still coming on board to partner with us.
“So far everything from food to accommodation and trophies has already been sorted out and besides companies we are also receiving huge support from individuals.
“Our sponsors have vowed to do their best to push the level of popularity for the sport to that of soccer in the country.

“And because of the immense confidence they have shown in the sport’s development, and growth and also in our association, we are definitely going to measure up and organise a befitting President’s Tournament,” said Tafuma.

The event is being sponsored by several companies and individuals including Drumcity, Delatfin Limited, Innscor’s Bakers Inn, Quest Motors, Ad-Life Waters, In-Sport, Hungwe Travel, Makonde Nutrition and MR T35 among others.