ESWATINI U20 ON TOP, U18 STILL HAS IHF CHANCES

BY NONTSETSELELO DLAMINI (INTERN)

LUSAKA – Eswatini’s Under-20 national handball team has recorded a positive start in the ongoing International Handball Federation (IHF) competition in Zambia after being awarded a 10–0 victory over Mozambique on Tuesday, following a roll-over when their opponents failed to honour the scheduled fixture.

The match had been set for 1300hrs at the Olympic Youth Development Sports Complex, Court 1, before officials confirmed the result, giving Eswatini an early advantage in the standings.

In an earlier encounter, the Under-18 team faced South Africa at 0900hrs on Court 2, where they suffered a 43–13 defeat in their opening match of the tournament. Despite the result, the Under-18 side remains in contention, with two matches still to play as they aim to secure qualification to the next stage. The team is expected to regroup and build on the experience gained from the opening fixture.

Commenting on the performance, national handball coach Lee Mdakane acknowledged the challenge of the opening match while expressing confidence in the team’s ability to improve. “It was the first game for the Eswatini team, and I am pleased with how they managed to adjust in the second half. I believe in them, they will pick up. The team has strength, and we are looking forward to better performances in the coming matches.”he stated .

The competition brings together emerging handball talent from across the region, offering a platform for young athletes to compete at a higher level while gaining valuable international exposure. Eswatini’s participation reflects ongoing efforts to develop the sport and strengthen performance at youth level.

Handball, a high-intensity indoor sport played by two teams of seven players, demands speed, coordination, and tactical awareness, with players aiming to outscore opponents by throwing the ball into the goal. The fast-paced nature of the game makes resilience and teamwork key to success.

With the Under-20 side gaining momentum and the Under-18 team still in the race, Eswatini’s campaign continues with optimism as both teams look to make their mark in the regional competition.