Hans Peter Thumm, a coach with the German Olympic Committee has hailed the talent development strategies being initiated by the Rwanda Handball Federation in bid to develop the sport. Speaking to Times Sport in an exclusive interview, Thumm was left surprised by the talent the country possess. He said, “We have worked with the handball federation for the past two years in training of coaches for three-weeks’ shortterm projects. We have also helped these coaches on how to identify potential talents from the grassroots level,” “We have given them basic education and reached in different areas of the country. We are happy with the outcome because they are doing excellent job,” “In atleast four years, Rwanda will have raised the standard of the game to a pleasing level. In the Under 12 category, the natural potential of children playing handball is higher than in Germany. I am impressed with that,” “The starting point of children here in Rwanda is a better one but there is a big problem making the bridge to the senior team which is not of a good standard,” “I believe with these potential, Rwanda can be a powerhouse in handball on the continent. We have to put the potential of talents in continuous programs that will help them to raise their game,” added Thumm. However, Thumm hinted that the progress of the current potential players should go hand in hand with the availability of the infrastructures in order to achieve continous development. “Training conditions will have a big influence in the development of the players. We should have atleast two courts atleast in every area and have regular competitions for different age groups,” “The federation is also handicapped. They should be equipped with permament staff in order to be able to carry out the various activities in the development of ths sport. Atleast 600 teachers and referees are needed such that this development can be realised within the shortest possible time,” noted Thumm. The game was introduced in Rwanda thirty years ago in Byumba, Butare and Zaza. The sport has managed to elevate because of the federation’s emphasis to have the game being played in schools at a younger age. At the moment, schools such as GS Mwendo in Bugesera, GS Nyinawimana in Gicumbi, Ecolde de Kigoma and Ecole de Mukingi all in Ruhango have excelled in identifying potential talents with a good future. Specifically at GS Mwendo, a teacher Peter Ngirimana has developed players from 8 years to 17 years and has five different teams for each age group. The school has the youngest referees at 13 and 14 years who help in the officiation of the sport at the school. “They have the youngest professional referees I have ever seen. They are really doing a good job. Such things give a lot of hope to development of handball in Rwanda,” said Thumm.
