Handball Transforms The livelihoods of Young Girls In Kwekwe.
Ozwell Gono, has earned a place as a semi-finalists under the Sports Impact Award category of The List Awards 2026. He was recognised because of his ability to use handball to build confidence, discipline and to keep young people away from drugs.
As the The Raiders Handball Club head coach in Kwekwe, he has been is using the sport to build confidence, discipline and opportunity among young people in Kwekwe, his journey began as a young player, when handball offered him a sense of belonging and confidence. A high-school coach saw potential in him before he saw it in himself, encouraging him to pursue the sport at higher levels.
Through Raiders Handball Club, which he founded, Gono has established a youth team of more than 30 girls, many from disadvantaged backgrounds. His work extends beyond training sessions and he organises inter-club tournaments, community clean-ups and provides free coaching at local schools to widen participation.
“I organize inter-club tournaments and community clean-up activities, helping out local schools by coaching handball for free so as to increase participation”, he said.
The impact is already visible as five of his players were selected for the Zimbabwe Under-18 national team for the IHF Zone IV Cup in Harare in 2025, while two others earned selection to the senior women’s national team for the IHF Zone IV Cup in Zambia in 2026.
“I have created a safe space where young people stay active, disciplined, and away from drugs and crime,” he added.
For Gono, recognition at The LIST Awards 2026 is not simply personal. He sees it as an opportunity to amplify the story of Kwekwe’s young athletes and attract support for reaching more vulnerable young people.