The Tanzania U18 Women’s Handball Team has achieved an impressive feat, clinching third place in the 5th Zone Championship that concluded today in Uganda.
After a hard-fought battle, Tanzania emerged victorious over Rwanda with a 40-31 win in the third-place match, marking a significant achievement for the team.
Tanzania’s coach, Kombo Kahawa, expressed his gratitude for the team's performance. "We are grateful to God for helping us secure third place.
Our players gave their all, and this victory is a result of their hard work and dedication," said Kahawa in an exclusive interview with The Respondent Online on May 10, 2025.
The coach acknowledged that while the team’s initial goal was to qualify for the African Championship, they were unable to achieve this target.
"Our main objective was to break the record set by our U19 team from the previous season by qualifying for the African Championship. Unfortunately, we did not meet that goal, but securing third place is still a huge accomplishment for us," Kahawa reflected.
The team’s journey through the tournament wasn’t without challenges. After a loss in the semifinals, the players were determined to finish strong.
"Yesterday, we played in the semifinals and lost, but we didn’t let that defeat define us. Today, we gave our best to secure third place, and we are proud of what we have achieved," Coach Kahawa added.
Tanzania’s handball program continues to show promise, with the U18 girls’ team’s third-place finish standing out as a highlight of the competition.
In addition to the U18 team’s success, the U20 team also represented Tanzania but was unfortunately eliminated during the group stage.
The victory is a testament to the hard work and potential of Tanzania’s young athletes, who continue to raise the bar in African handball.\
"We’ve honored our country with this achievement. We hope that this success inspires other young athletes in Tanzania to pursue sports with determination and pride," concluded Kahawa.
As the team returns home, their success in the 5th Zone Championship serves as a stepping stone for future competitions and a beacon of hope for the development of handball in Tanzania.
