TZ U-18 Women’s Handball team clinches third place at 5th Zone Championship

UGANDA: TANZANIA’s Under-18 Women’s Handball Team secured third place at the 5th Zone Championship held in Uganda, capping off a remarkable journey in the competition.

After a hardfought battle, the team emerged victorious with a 40-31 win over Rwanda in the third-place playoff, a feat that marks a significant milestone for Tanzanian handball.

The team coach, Kombo Kahawa expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the players, acknowledging their relentless dedication throughout the tournament.

“We thank God for guiding us to secure third place. Our players gave their absolute best and this victory is a testament to their tireless effort and commitment,” said Kahawa.

While the team’s initial goal was to qualify for the African Championship, the coach humbly recognised that they did not achieve that ambition.

However, the third-place finish still holds great value.

“Our primary objective was to surpass the achievement of our U-19 team from last season by qualifying for the African Championship. Sadly, we fell short of that goal, but clinching third place is still a tremendous accomplishment for us,” he explained.

Kahawa further shared that the team faced numerous challenges along the way, but after their semifinal loss, the players were resolute in finishing strong.

ALSO READ: TZ prepares for Beach Handball World Championship

“Yesterday, we faced a tough loss in the semifinals, but we didn’t let that setback define us. We came out with renewed determination to claim third place and we are incredibly proud of what we have achieved,” he added.

Tanzania’s handball scene continues to shine with promise, as the U-18 women’s team’s third-place finish further elevates the country’s status in the sport.

Additionally, while the U-20 team also participated in the championship, they unfortunately did not progress beyond the group stages.

This victory is a clear reflection of the rising talent and determination among young Tanzanian players, who are steadily raising the profile of handball across Africa.

“We have done our country proud with this achievement. We hope that this success will inspire other young athletes to pursue sports with passion, dedication and pride,” concluded Kahawa.

The team’s outstanding performance at the 5th Zone Championship sets a strong foundation for future competitions and serves as a beacon of hope for the continued development of handball in Tanzania.