Handball: IHF Zone Six Challenge Trophy |19 April 2018
Two youth selections off to Zambia
The Seychelles Handball Federation has picked two youth selections to represent the country at this year’s International Handball Federation Zone Six Challenge Trophy tournament which will be held in Lusaka, Zambia from April 24-28.
With two other youth selections already on international duty, competing at the Jeux de la Commission de la Jeunesse et des Sports de l'Océan Indien (CJSOI) in Djibouti, the Zambia outing will involve our under-21 and under-18 boys’ selections.
Organised by the African Handball Confederation (CAHB) under the supervision of the International Handball Federation (IHF), the tournament takes place every two years at zone level.
Being a member of zone 7 along with Mauritius, the Comoros and Seychelles, Madagascar was to host the biennial tournament earlier this year, but had to cancel it as only Seychelles was allowed to take part.
Both Mauritius and the Comoros are serving bans from the sport’s governing body.
Following several negotiations, Seychelles and Madagascar were both allowed to compete at the zone six tournament alongside Zambia, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
The players received their plane tickets during a ceremony held yesterday at the Palais des Sports in the presence of their parents.
Speaking toSports NATION, SHF chairman Norbert Dogley, who will also lead the delegation, said it has not been an easy task to put together four youth selections, let alone preparing them for international competitions.
He explained that since all the expenses for the tournament are being covered by the IHF, it is very important for the benefiting countries to enroll, ensuring further future support, while it also serves as a good opportunity to expose our young players to higher level of competition.
Mr Dogley also said the main target of the SHF is to try and retain and also nurture all the young players, teaching them to adopt a more positive approach and self-discipline.
He also commented on the effort made by some physical education teachers, whom he said are very committed in teaching handball at school level.
Mr Dogley noted that two teams playing in the national leagues – Anse Royale Brothers and Anse Royale Sisters ‒ are made up of secondary school students. This, he said, is a positive sign for the future of Seychelles’ handball.
He also thanked all the parents for their continuous involvement and support towards handball.
Under-21 selection head coach Freddy Annette said any podium finish would be a great achievement, not only for Seychelles handball, but also for the region as well.
In terms of training and preparation, coach Annette said the main focus was on game situations as all his players are well experienced, having played in the national league.
Less dribbling and more passing during offence, while being faster on the defensive side of the game are among the main strategies covered by coach Annette during training.
For coach Danny Philoé, who will be in charge of the under-18 selection, the training time was not enough as more focus was on the preparation of the CJSOI selection.
He added that the tournament will be a good opportunity for the young players to get their first international exposure and despite not expecting any medal, he wants his players to perform at their best and enjoy their matches, while gaining the maximum out of it.
In the last Zone 7 tournament held in 2016, the under-21 selection won a silver medal after losing against Madagascar in the final.
Members of the selections making the trip to Zambia:
Under-18: Cody Lesperance, Michael Quilindo, Julian Dubel, Keith Larue, Sham Vinda, Valdo Uzice, Stephan Alphonse, Jean-Philip Figaro, Aury Leon, Alvin Bistoquet, Dino Adrienne, Shadrach Joubert (players), Danny Philoé (head coach), Michel Dugasse (assistant coach).
Under-21: Kieren Jean, Kieran Dufrene, Dyan Azemia, Aaron Dodin, Kieron Esther, Shawn Hertel, Pery Sinon, Alphius Fanchette, Freddy Chang-Sam, Steven Nanon, Damio Ernesta, Joshua Juliette, Laphonso Joubert, Maelle Florentine (players), Freddy Anette (head coach), Michel Camille (assistant coach), Bernard Valentin (team manager).
R. D.