The Malawi Under-17 and Under-19 girls’ national handball teams returned home yesterday from Harare, Zimbabwe, where they participated in the International Handball Federation (IHF) Zone VI Games held from April 29 to May 3, 2025.
The Under-19 team delivered an impressive performance, finishing second and securing a silver medal along with a trophy. The tournament featured teams from Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Namibia. Zambia emerged as champions after edging out Malawi in a tightly contested final that ended 39–38, while South Africa claimed the bronze medal.
Meanwhile, the Under-17 team finished fifth out of seven participating nations. Zambia again dominated in this category, clinching gold, with Zimbabwe and South Africa taking silver and bronze, respectively. Eswatini finished fourth, Malawi fifth, Lesotho sixth, and Namibia seventh.
Speaking upon arrival in Malawi, head of the delegation and Acting Marketing Director for the Handball Association of Malawi, Alex Simenti, described the trip as a success.
“It was a very successful and encouraging outing. Our girls performed well, and we are grateful to the government for its continued support for handball through the Malawi National Council of Sports. The team was well-dressed, and many teams at the tournament admired our jerseys and tracksuits. We’ve assured the Council that handball will continue raising Malawi’s flag on the international stage,” said Simenti.
Under-19 team captain, Tendai Ndhlovu, said the experience gained from the tournament will go a long way in helping the team grow.
“There’s a need for better communication during games, and we must believe in ourselves. The competition was very tough, so mental strength is crucial. We’re confident that in the next tournament, we’ll bring home gold for Malawi,” said Ndhlovu.
Director of Sports and Recreation Development at the Malawi National Council of Sports, Mrs. Ivy Chinagwa, who welcomed the team at the airport, congratulated the girls on their achievement.
‘’Considering the calibre of countries that participated, finishing in second place is no small feat. We are proud of our girls for the job well done. However, we still look forward to that gold medal they’ve promised. Based on what we’ve seen, we believe that by 2027, they’ll bring it home,” she said.
The IHF Zone VI Games, held every two years, provide under-20 players with invaluable international exposure and experience, helping shape the future of handball in the region.