HAZ names women’s U-20 squad for Abijan

By MICHAEL MIYOBA THE Handball Association of Zambia (HAZ), has named a 21- women member squad for next month’s under-20 Africa women handball championship to be hosted in Abijan, Ivory Coast.

HAZ president Bwalya Banda who said the association had since intensified the team’s preparations, confirmed the development to Daily Nation Sports in Lusaka.

Banda said preparations for the African Championship were progressing well, noting that the Association’s target was to do well in Ivory Coast and qualify for the world championships in Germany.

Banda said the players selected have what it takes to bring honor to Zambia.

“The Association had called 32 players from all parts of the country for assessment and right now we have a squad consisting of 21 members which we believe will be able to do Zambia proud though it will be trimmed further to the final 16,” Banda said.

Banda emphasized the need for government to help the association raise funds to be able to participate at African women’s championship.

“We are just calling on government to assist the team with financial resources. We are lacking in so many ways. We are remaining with a few days before the tournament kicks off in Ivory Coast and we are yet to raise funds for accommodation,” said Banda.

The under-20 Africa women handball championship kicks off on September 10, 2017 in Abijan, Ivory Coast.

The five-day championship will see Zambia competing with teams such as Senegal, Cape Verde, Angola, Tunisia, Togo, Benin, and hosts Ivory Coast with the top three at the tournament qualifying for the under-20 world championship to be held in Munich Germany.