By S. Siapha Mulbah
The International Handball Federation, in its Under-19 series, will host the competition later this month in Lagoon, Ghana.
According to the international organization, the competition is intended to have countries in the demarcated areas under Zone 3 participating in the federation’s activities to enhance the growth of handball across the world, which will serve as a qualification event of the continental phase of the Men’s International Handball Trophy for Africa.
Other nations that will be up against the red, white, and blue outfit of the Lone Star of Liberia are the hosts of the competition, Ghana, as well as Cote D’Ivoire, Benin, Nigeria, and Togo.
A conversation with the Vice president for Operations at the local handball association confirmed that Liberia has had relatively strong teams that were being looked out for in the region when it comes to handball activities, and the junior session has gotten another invitation to the IHF competition.
Samuel Hansay said by February 17, 2024, a delegation of 14 players, two officials, and a head of delegation, is expected to depart the country to honor the competition that is expected to run from February 19 to 26 in the city of Lagoon.
According to him, the junior team is expected to perform beyond the expectation and scope of what the national men and women’s teams did during their last appearance at the international competition in Accra 2022/2023.
Meanwhile, the Handball Association disclosed that the transitional process of the country’s national government has delayed the clearing of funds that will be used to cover the expenses of the team while away, which include travel, lodging, and feeding costs.
Hansay said, “We, as an association, are ready to represent the country again in Ghana. The delegation is set to leave February 17. All we are lacking now is the finance to cover the cost of the trip, which has been delayed as a result of the transition process. It was communicated to the former leadership of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, but now we are engaging the new government so that the team can make the trip.”
