Bulawayo to Host Second Zits Handball Tournament Promoting Clean Sport

Patience Muchemwa- Senior Reporter

Bulawayo is set to come alive with the spirit of sport and social advocacy this weekend as it hosts the second edition of the Zits Handball Tournament at the United College of Education on May 24–25, 2025. Held under the theme “Say No to Drugs and Substance Abuse,” the tournament continues to grow as a key fixture on Zimbabwe’s sporting calendar, drawing teams from across the country for a weekend of athleticism, teamwork, and community engagement.

This year’s tournament boasts a robust line-up featuring 11 men’s teams and 8 women’s teams from provinces including Harare, Mashonaland East, and Bulawayo. Among the men’s teams set to compete are Spikers Handball Academy, UZ Wildcats, Spartans HC, All Race Tribes HC, Manyame Falcons HC, Ajax HC, Bluewood Handball Academy, Bulawayo Handball Academy, Manyame Eagles HC, Hawks HC, and Brymaton HC.

Defending champions UZ Wildcats return with high hopes of retaining their crown, having edged out Manyame Falcons in a closely contested final last year.

In the women’s division, the participating teams include Manyame Sparrows HC, Brymaton HC, City Stars HC, Panthers HC, Matebele Queens HC, NUST, Raiders HC, and UZ Wildcats HC. The Manyame Sparrows, who took home the title in 2024 after defeating UZ Wildcats, are expected to face stiff competition as they defend their championship.

The tournament will follow a round-robin format leading into knockout rounds and the finals. Alongside team trophies, individual accolades will be awarded for Best Goalkeeper, Top Goal Scorer, Most Valuable Player, Best Coach, and Most Disciplined Team. The top three teams in both the men’s and women’s categories will receive gold, silver, and bronze medals.

Zimbabwe Handball Federation President Taurai Muberekwa emphasised the dual importance of the event. “It plays a pivotal role in underlining the effects of drug and substance abuse. While the tournament currently focuses on senior club teams, there is potential to expand and include junior clubs in the future,” he said.

UZ Wildcats head coach Valentine Masaiti expressed confidence in his team’s preparedness. “We are geared for the tournament. I believe we have prepared adequately, especially after winning gold at the ZUSA championships. Mentally and physically, we are ready. We hope for a great tournament,” he said.

Since its inception in 2024, the Zits Handball Tournament has garnered praise not only for its competitive standard but also for its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles among young people. With excitement building and teams ready to compete, Bulawayo is set to witness a weekend of sport driven by passion, purpose, and a strong message of resilience against drug and substance abuse.