Zim step up preps for African champs

THE Zimbabwe Handball Federation are set to step up their preparations for the African championships as the continental board has confirmed the dates for the event.

The African Handball Confederation (CAHB) have set the tournament for December 12 to 18 at a venue to be advised.

It will feature Under-20 (junior) and Under-18 (youth) teams.

Zimbabwe’s junior side qualified for the continental showpiece last month when they won the International Handball Federation Trophy Zone VI at the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex.

ZHF technical director, Farai Gwisai, is set to meet with the coaches for both Under-18 and Under-20 this Saturday in Harare for a review of last month’s regional tournament and come up with a preparation plan for the Under-20.

“We are going to have a review with the coaches on Saturday to find the technical challenges. After that we are going to have our road map to the continental event.

“We now have to come up with a critical path on how we are going to compete at the continental event.

“We are meeting both Under-18 and Under-20 coaches,” said Gwisai.

Gwisai said for the continental event, they need to up their game.

“Basing on what I am looking at, our physical condition, we need to up our physical fitness. In terms of our physical fitness we need to make sure we up because some of the countries we are going to play, they play handball full time.

“In terms of attack, we need to polish on our attack and work on our defence,” said Gwisai.

The national association have indicated that they are looking at engaging Zambia and Mozambique for friendly matches.

Zimbabwe’s youth side missed qualification when they came second in the regional tournament, behind Zambia.

Initially, Togo were expected to host the continental showpiece but indications are that they are no longer hosting and CAHB are yet to finalise on the venue.

ZHF secretary-general, Edson Chirowodza, yesterday said CAHB have since approached them to host the event.

“We have put the matter to the board and also we have written to the Government through the SRC (Sports and Recreation Commission).

“So that’s the current situation. We are waiting to see if we get support.

“The greenlight from the Government also comes with support, when it’s continental it becomes bigger compared to the last event,” said Chirowodza.

Chirowodza said the tournament is an opportunity to expose their players to a higher level of competition and an opportunity to learn, not just for the teams, but also for the spectators and everyone involved.

The Local Organising Committee that took charge of the preparations and hosting of the regional tournament last month is also set to meet on Saturday for a review and deliberate on the possibility of hosting the continental tournament.

Zimbabwe will be joined by Zambia who qualified for the African championships in the Under-18 age-group.

The continental event is serving as a qualifier for the World Youth and Junior Cup expected to take place next year.