Zim ready for Korfball WC qualifier
NATIONAL korfball team technical director Corinne Buckland says they are working on polishing some key tactical and technical aspects of the team ahead of the International Korfball Federation All Africa Championships set for Chitungwiza this weekend.
A dynamic cross between netball, basketball and handball, korfball is the only mixed-sex team ball sport in the world and the Chitungwiza extravaganza will also double up as the African nations World Cup qualifiers.
One country from the three contestants — Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi — will join South Africa, who have already qualified by virtue of being the hosts of the July tournament.
Cote d’Ivoire were supposed to take part in the qualifiers but have since withdrawn.
The scenario gives Zimbabwe a slight advantage as they stand a good chance of qualifying for the first time.
“As the team’s technical adviser I should say I am very impressed by what I have seen so far in the team,’’ she said.
“But, normally, you are never fully satisfied because at the end of the day, we want to win and qualify for the World Cup. “Tactically, the team is showing a lot of positives as they are very able to create scoring chances. We are now working to try and improve their shooting technique so that we score as much as we would have created.
“I am impressed and we are ready for the games.”
Head coach, Percy Samugadza, has named a squad of 18, nine males and as many women, for the tournament.
Zimbabwe get their campaign underway against tricky Zambia who have named a strong side. For the first time, Zimbabwe will have two of their referees officiating at the jamboree.
Synanthia Mugurungi and Annah Gumiso Nyashanu will both be touchline referees during the fiesta.
Meanwhile, IKF top instructor, Theo Van de Linde, is in the country conducting a five-day coaching and refereeing workshop.
ZKF secretary-general Ottilia Kurebwaseka said Van de Linde’s expertise will provide them with a rich foundation for the development of the sport in the country.