SHANNISE DZOBO
MASVINGO–Handball teams from Harare dominated the National Handball Open Season tourney which was held last week at Masvingo Poly which saw 27 teams participating, 11 ladies’ teams and 16 male teams.
In the male category Ajax Club came first and walked away with a trophy and 17 gold medals, on second position was Manyame Falcons Club with 17 silver medals, Harare City Club was on third position and bagged 17 bronze medals and as a consolation to the hosting province, Great Zimbabwe University team came a distant fourth.
In the ladies category Manyame Sparrows came first and for their efforts they took home a trophy and 17 gold medals, Harare City Club on second position got 17 silver medals, on third position was Bulawayo Handball Club with 17 bronze medals and Hawks Club was on fourth position.
“We are very happy with the outcome of this tournament because each and every team that was participating showed energy, talent and all their skills which made us realise that we have talent in Zimbabwe and we ought to aim higher so that we participate in continental games or world games in the future”, said Chirikure Hatifitose the Masvingo handball board provincial chairperson.
“Although GZU came out number four, they represented the province very well and we noticed a lot of improvements with their level of play and as a chairperson of Masvingo handball board we are encouraging other schools to take part in such games like Chibi High School and if they do not have that sport at their respective schools they should get hold of us and we help them in having that discipline so that we groom more talent in the province”.
Hatifitose also went on thank some of the stakeholders who made the tournament possible like the headmaster of Masvingo Christian College, Dr Edison Muresherwa for providing accommodation and the goal posts and the Principal of Masvingo Polytechnic, Eng Callisto Muzongondi for providing the venue.
The guest of honour was Dr Beauty Mutsambiwa the president of Zimbabwe Handball Federation (ZHF) and Secretary General of the ZHF Edson Chirowodza also graced the tournament and Rose Rugweda Masvingo vice chairperson, Masvingo Treasurer Talent Dube and Masvingo Secretary General Musana Chirikure were also present.
