Ekurhuleni handball team to shine at nationals

The Gauteng Handball Association (GHA) has selected a squad of 10 players to represent the province at the national women’s U20 championship at the Belhar Indoor Centre in Cape Town from August 5 to 7.

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According to their coach, Yandiswa Ntshanyana, they opted for a mixture of experienced campaigners and development players because of their succession plans.

Ntshanyana expressed her confidence in the players to continue the province’s dominance in the sport.

“I want them to deliver. We have to put our foot down. We know how to win.

“The players we have are experienced and have a love for the game. We have to show the other provinces that Gauteng is the best,” she said.

Hlengiwe Kunene, Zinah Khumalo, Tumelo Kolobetso, Mblai Maseko, Linah Molala, Maggie Morupishi, Thembeka Thwala, Mapuloe Nkoana, Nicol Suthu and Tryphina Mohlala will all jet to Cape Town to fight for the bragging rights.

The coach stated that although selecting this team was difficult, she has chosen players that will proudly represent the province.

“We looked at agility and experience because a U20 player is quite mature. We have mixed experiences with our younger players.

“I want energy, understanding of the demands of the game as well as fairness because some players often become egotistical. We have selected players who will play for the team.”

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Gauteng has enjoyed success in the sport, dominating nationals in various categories and producing quality players and officials. However, that fear factor that drove their success has waned.

Ntshanyana reiterated that they will use this championship to reclaim their place.

“We are going to remind everybody that Gauteng is the hub of handball in South Africa. Whenever we stepped into the court, we were feared by our opponents. We want to bring back that spark.”

GHA chairperson Nsizwa Mahlangu stated his concern that they might not attend the tournament as the association is cash-strapped.

“We have to go on camp so that we can build a synergy between the players. We need fees for that.

“We also need funding for things like first aid kits and nutritional food so that we can compete in Cape Town.

“I am appealing to anyone to help us. I can be contacted on 061 039 7925 for more information.”

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Gender-based violence awareness campaign.

The South African Handball Federation (SAHF) will use the tournament to spread the message of zero tolerance of all forms of violence against women and girls under the slogan, ‘hands are for handball, not violence’.

The federation’s general secretary, Zizo Papu, said its duty to assist the government in its efforts to address the abuse of women and girls in the sporting fraternity.

“GBV continues to be an issue that is impacting the country. Women are constantly faced with many issues socially, economically and physically mostly because of men.

“It’s our duty as the SAHF and women’s commission to create a balance and give back justice to those affected by GBV.”

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