Ellina Mhlanga Harare Bureau
ORGANISERS of this year’s Handball Presidential Trophy have revealed that preparations are underway with teams already registering for the event slated for the weekend at Houghton Park Primary School. The annual tournament is set for Saturday and Sunday with men and women’s teams from across the country expected to fight for honours.
Chairperson of the organising committee for the tournament Joan Takafuma said at least 20 teams from Masvingo and Harare have already confirmed their participation.
“Masvingo have already confirmed they’ll be sending 10 teams. Last year we had 20 teams and the two provinces we’ve so far, Masvingo and Harare have already surpassed that number. I don’t know how many teams the other provinces will send. We also have four schools, private colleges and universities that have confirmed, so we expect more teams this year,” said Takafuma.
Last year the event featured teams from Mozambique, who won the men’s event and the women’s title went to Danhamombe, who are expected to defend their title this year.
However, Takafuma said they are not certain if they will have any foreign teams coming for this year’s edition.
“Last year Mozambique’s men were number one and number two. Thunderbolt, a team based at Churchill were third. Malawi wanted to come but they changed plans, South Africa were promising to come but I didn’t do a follow-up because I wasn’t sure if we were going to succeed to host the tournament. But then we had clubs last week and at the weekend confirming their participation.
“Danhamombe have been the defending champions for women even for schools competition and they’re coming. Girls High were second.
“This is the third year we’re having the presidential trophy. The standard is high with teams like Danhamombe and Girls High. Remember they’ve travelled the world over for international games in countries as far as Sweden, Germany and Italy, so these players are now skilled. It’s good that we’ve both best teams and those that will be coming for the first time because it shapes the competition. The tournament has been helpful in the development of handball,” said Takafuma.
The teams will pay $50 participation fee and Takafuma said registration will be open until the day of competition.