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Tedious Manyepo Sports Reporter

THREE Zimbabwean handball teams hoisted the country’s flag high with top-notch performances in the inaugural International Handball Federation-sanctioned Zambia Independence Cup tournament which ended on Sunday in Lusaka, Zambia.Zimbabwe sent representatives in the Under-14 and 17 categories with the two age-groups providing both female and male teams.

The national Under-20 men’s team was also part of the fiesta held to commemorate Zambia’s 50th independence anniversary.

The gala was supposed to be graced by teams from Malawi, Mozambique, Lesotho and South Africa, but only Zimbabwe turned up.

Zimbabwe’s Under-14 players were selected from Chembira, Lochnivar and Budiriro 5 primary schools, the three institutions which performed well in last term’s ball games while Mashonaland East’s Arcturus Secondary provided the Under-17 squad.

All the teams gave a good account of themselves against Zambian clubs regarded as some of the best in the sport across the region.

In fact Arcturus, Lochnivar and Chembira accounted for their fancied opponents to walk away with trophies and balls.

Zimbabwe handball Development Officer Daniel Mtandwa said he was impressed.

“It is always good to see Zimbabwean clubs performing that well against Zambian teams which are some of the most feared in the region.

“The teams gave a good account of themselves and we believe with more exposure, they can scale dizzy heights.

“It is our wish to develop the sport in the country and to see some Under-14 players showing a lot of composure is just encouraging.

“It is a challenge which these players have posed to us that we should continue exposing them.

“They need more international games and you never know, by the time they become seniors, Zimbabwe could be a powerhouse in handball,” said

Chembira head Lorenciana Pisa hailed all the teams.

“I am really impressed by the way everything happened.

“Zambia is a handball powerhouse and we expected some hiding, but the teams refused to be blown away. They fought like real lions.

“I am happy for the teams and I hope we will get the exposure as we move on,” she said.