FAITH NDOU
BIKITA-Mashoko High School’s under-17 boys handball team has made history by becoming provincial champions for the first time since handball was introduced in schools.
The maiden win earns them the right to represent Masvingo Province at the National Association of Secondary School Heads (NASH) games scheduled for June 17 to 20 2026 in Masvingo.
The achievement has sparked celebrations at the school and throughout the Mashoko community, with players, coaches, administrators and supporters taking pride in a milestone many years in the making.
Mashoko High School Sports Director Oscar Mere said the historic achievement was a result of administrative support, dedicated coaches and a group of players who have grown together over the years.
“In the history of Mashoko High, this is the first time that our Under-17 boys have won the provincial handball title since the sport was introduced in schools. The school and the whole community are quite happy with our achievement so far,” said Mere.
He credited the team’s success to the commitment shown by both players and coaches.
“Administrative support, love of the game, personal sacrifices by our coaches and the coordination of our players who have been together since Form One have contributed immensely to this success. Most of them are now in Form Three. Last year we lost to Silveira High School in the district finals, but the boys remained focused and determined,” he said.
The team’s triumph comes after months of preparation that began in January.
Mere said friendly matches played a key role in preparing the team for competitive action.
“Training started in January and friendly games helped us a lot. The Christian games were a clear testimony that our team was strong. We played against Chiredzi Christian in the final, drew 7-7 and only lost on penalties,” he said.
The school has also invested in developing qualified handball personnel. Head coach Tenson Gumbere has attained Handball Officiation Level 2 certification, assistant coach Dzingai Baloyi holds Handball Coaching Level 1 certification, while Mere and school head Davie Gungubu both possess Handball Officiation Level 1 qualifications.
“This clearly shows that Mashoko High is a handball-loving community. We have invested in developing both our players and officials because we believe in the growth of the sport,” said Mere.
The provincial title has placed the players and coaching staff in a celebratory mood as they prepare for the national championships, where they will have an opportunity to showcase their talent on a bigger stage.
“The coaches and players are on cloud nine for being provincial champions. We now have another chance to showcase our talent at national level, where there is also an opportunity for some of our players to be selected into the national handball team,” he said.
Mashoko High has previously enjoyed success on the national stage. In 2017, the school’s Under-17 boys’ soccer team won a national title while in 1995, during the era of renowned footballer Lloyd Hlahla, the school brought home the prestigious Coca-Cola Trophy.
As preparations for the national tournament intensify, Mere said the team remains focused on continuous improvement.
“It has become a norm that whenever our teams go to national competitions, we bring home trophies. Now is the time to reclaim our lost pride. We are working on our weaknesses as well as our strengths to build a strong team that will not go as underdogs but as a team capable of matching the level of competition we will face,” said Mere.
Mashoko High School will now carry the hopes of Masvingo Province when the national handball championships take place.
