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Trophy next week in Harare.
The competition is set to run from April 17 to 19 at Chitungwiza Aquatic complex and 42 clubs are expected to fight for honours in the tourney.
The event is targeting both men and women’s teams and the teams will be divided into two pools in each category with the top two clubs progressing to the semi finals. The tournament is being organised by the Big Elephants Handball Sports Club and is expected to feature clubs from different provinces in the country.
The organisers have also sent invitation to Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa. Big Elephants organising secretary, Bernard Muzanenhamo said all local clubs have confirmed their participation and a club from Zambia.
“We are expecting 42 teams and a club from Zambia has confirmed their participation while South Africa and Malawi are still to confirm.
“Mozambique wanted to send their national team as they are preparing for the All-Africa Games but we have told them that this is a club’s event and they have said they are still looking into it,” said Muzanenhamo.
Muzanenhamo said they are hoping to meet competitive competition with teams coming from different provinces.
“Clubs have been preparing for this event and we expect the competition to be tough because these clubs for the past three years have not been competing at this level, they have been competing at provincial level,” said Muzanenhamo.
All participating clubs are expected to be in Harare tomorrow. Big Elephant’s coach, Brighton Muzanenhamo said they have received US$5 600 from Fredrick Mabamba for medals and trophies.
Winners in the tournament will pocket US$1 000 while the first runners up gets US$500 and the second runners up will take home US$300.
There will be prizes for the best player of the tournament and goalkeeper while the most representable and disciplined team will also be rewarded.
Out of the 42 clubs, the best local club will represent the country in the Partille Cup in Gothenburg, Sweden, from July 4 to 9.
The Partille Cup is one of the biggest handball tournaments for youths in the world, attracting around 1 000 players from 50.
It was first launched in Partille in 1963 and caters for both boys and girls.
Some of the teams that will compete in the Independence Trophy include Legal Lions, Hard Shots, Mutare Teachers College, Thornhill, Dotito Black Panthers, Young Elephants, Masvingo, Bulldogs, Greendale, Manyame Air Base and Beyond the Queens.