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Ellina Mhlanga Senior Sports Reporter

THE Under-18 and Under-20 handball teams are set to intensify their preparations for the Zone VI (Africa) International Handball Federation Trophy Women 2023 to be held in Johannesburg, South Africa, after setting up camp this week for the final phase of the build-up.

The regional tournament is scheduled for May 23 to 27 and participating countries are expected to field teams in the Under-18 (youth) and Under-20 (junior) categories.

The players started trooping into camp in Chitungwiza on Tuesday.

Under-20 manager Eunice Rice said all 28 players — 14 youths and 14 juniors should be in camp today.

Those that are already in camp had their first training session yesterday at Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex.

“The Under-18 and Under-20 are now in camp. Some (players) are still on their way, even the Under-18. I think by tomorrow (today) everyone will be in,” said Rice.

The teams are expected to leave for South Africa on May 22. Under-18 coach Moreways Changa said they will continue from where they left in their previous camp and will be focusing on the technical aspects of the game.

“The last time we were basically looking at identifying players because remember we were still working with the preliminary list. But now we have finalised the list, so our focus for this camp is mainly on the technical aspects of the game because we did our team building in the last two camps and now we have trimmed our team to the final 14.

“So for the final 14 now, our focus is on the technical skills of both the team techniques and also the individual techniques because what will then make us a better team is how we are able to execute the handball skills. So basically this is our focus for the camp,” said Changa.

The winners from the tournament in each age-group progress to the continental event where the top teams will then advance to the World Youth and Junior Championships to be held later in the year.

Changa said advancing to the next stage presents them with a chance for international exposure but conceded it’s not going to be easy considering their background.

“Of course the odds are against us in that we were not active during the Covid-19 period and also most of the professional teams.

“Our target is to qualify, if we are able to qualify then that gives an edge or an advantage to have the international exposure that we so much need to become a handball competitive nation,” said Changa.

Changa is being assisted by Ozwell Gono and Emmaculate Matimbe is the team manager. The Under-20 side is under the guidance of Sipho Mahlangu.

Zimbabwe Handball Federation secretary-general Edson Chirowodza said the tournament presents the players with a platform for exposure competing in a competitive environment after some time.

“As Zimbabwe we are not putting our girls under pressure. We want them to get exposure and to enjoy themselves. If our team is better, they can bring us a positive result in terms of qualifying for the continental event,” said Chirowodza.

Other countries set to take part in the event are Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia.

 Teams

Under 18: Natasha John, Tyra Makako, Dumoluhle Mpala, Jubilance Chipunza, Stembiso Ngwenya, Bandise Sibanda, Nomsa Siziba, Ester Ngulube, Tinevimbo Machafa, Lerato Mekereto, Tawana Tamanikwa, Rumbidzai Nyikadzino, Shamiso Nyika, Michelle Moyo.

Under 20: Nomalanga Benge, Lisa Birivadi, Tinevimbo Chigwida, Esinath Chikangaiwa, Panashe Chikeya, Ropafadzo Gunyando, Aisha Kazondo, Nancy Machipaza, Sipiwe Manesi, Yemurai Mpotsa, Nothando Mthimkhulu, Precious Piritu, Theron Sithole, Pamela Zairega.