The Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex played host to a thrilling edition of the International Handball Federation (IHF) Zone 6 Trophy, witnessing spirited competition and showcasing emerging talent from across the region.

Zimbabwe’s junior handball teams put up a commendable performance, securing silver in the Under-18 category and a well-deserved bronze in the Under-20 competition.

The Under-18 final saw a determined Zimbabwean side face off against a formidable Zambian team. Despite a valiant effort and the enthusiastic support of the home crowd, Zambia proved too strong on the day, ultimately clinching the gold medal with a final score of 32-22.

While the silver medal represents a significant achievement for the young Zimbabwean squad, the loss will undoubtedly fuel their determination for future tournaments.

In the Under-20 category, Zimbabwe bounced back strongly after a setback in the semifinals. They faced Namibia in the bronze medal match and delivered an emphatic performance, securing a decisive 53-25 victory.

The Zimbabwean team displayed impressive attacking prowess and solid defense to claim the third-place finish and bring home a bronze medal.

The Under-20 final was a nail-biting affair, with Zambia and Malawi locked in a tight contest. The match went down to the wire, with Zambia ultimately emerging victorious by the slimmest of margins, 39-38, to claim the gold medal.

The other Under-18 bronze medal match saw South Africa dominate Eswatini, securing a comfortable 39-7 victory to also claim a spot on the podium.

Overall, the IHF Zone 6 Trophy at the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex provided a platform for exciting handball action and highlighted the growing talent within the Southern African region.

Zimbabwe’s silver and bronze medals are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff, and offer a promising outlook for the future of handball in the nation.

The tournament also underscored the competitive spirit and camaraderie amongst the participating countries.

Final Ranking

Under 18
Gold. Zambia
Silver. Zimbabwe
Bronze. South Africa

Under 20
Gold. Zambia
Silver. Malawi
Bronze. Zimbabwe