The Korfball Opening Season Tournament was played on Saturday at Mufakose 1 High School, bringing together emerging talent from schools across Zimbabwe. The event also served as a selection platform for players who may represent the country at an international tournament in the Netherlands later this year.
Speaking after the tournament, TIC Korfball Angeline Kashangura described the event as a success, noting that more players were selected than initially anticipated.
"The tournament was meant for selection of players to compete in the Netherlands, so to us, it was a success because we managed to select more than what we wanted," she said.
Kashangura highlighted the key qualities that selectors focused on during the competition.
"We were looking at physical body, ball handling skills to shoot and defending and at the same time alertness," she explained.
She also emphasized the tournament’s growing impact on the development of the sport, revealing increased interest from schools that did not initially participate.
"It has a great impact because some of the schools who didn't come are requesting to send their players for trials. Maybe they didn't think it would be successful. It will enable players to compete at a high level, making them more comfortable," she said.
Expressing appreciation to participating schools, she added that international exposure would benefit both players and institutions.
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"I would like to thank them they will not regret their schools would be on the map traveling abroad for sports will make the school to be more visible and it will help them to develop korfball better than what it was," she said.
Mufakose 1 High School captain Tashinga Mabanga also shared his excitement about the tournament.
"We are happy to be part of the participating schools, and we encourage many other pupils to join the sport and enjoy," he said.
Zimbabwe Korfball Federation president Taurai Chadebah commended the initiative and called for wider participation across the country.
"We appreciate schools for organizing such tournaments and encourage other provinces to participate in similar events," he said.
The tournament concluded with Kuwadzana High 2 emerging as winners in the Under 17 category, while Mufakose 1 High claimed the title in the Under 20 category.
Beyond the sporting aspect, the tournament also created economic opportunities for local vendors, who sold snacks to athletes and supporters at the school gate and within the premises.
The competition further served as crucial preparation for the upcoming Harare province league games, which are scheduled to kick off this coming weekend.
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