When Zouabi Hafedz accepted the role of head coach of Rwanda’s men’s national handball team, his ambition went far beyond winning matches. Rather than focusing on a single tournament or one generation of players, the Tunisian set out to build a sustainable system capable of transforming handball in Rwanda for years to come. One year into his two-year contract, Hafedz believes the foundations have been laid, but insists the country’s biggest achievements are still to come. ALSO READ: Tunisian Zouabi named Rwanda's national handball team coach For Hafedz, success begins long before players step onto the court. My first objective was to build a sustainable system rather than simply prepare for one tournament, he told Times Sport. His vision has focused on modernising Rwandan handball by strengthening the national teams, improving collaboration between clubs and the national setup, developing coaches, and creating a clear pathway for young players. He credits the close cooperation between the Rwanda Handball Federation (FERWAHAND), the Ministry of Sports, clubs and schools as key to achieving that vision. Long-term success can only come through collective work involving all stakeholders committed to developing handball in Rwanda. Looking back on his first year, Hafedz says his greatest achievement has been laying stronger foundations for the future. He points to improved organisation within the national teams, more structured training methods and a greater emphasis on youth development. I am proud that we have started building a real foundation for the future, he said. He also praised FERWAHAND and the government for their continued support in advancing the sport. CAN exposed Rwanda's strengths and weaknesses Rwanda's participation at the 2026 Africa Men's Handball Championship provided valuable lessons, according to Hafedz. He believes the tournament showed that Rwanda can compete with stronger nations for long periods but also exposed areas that still need improvement. We learned that consistency, experience, physical preparation and tactical discipline must continue to improve. Those lessons, he says, now guide the national team's daily work and long-term planning. League improving, but more competition needed Hafedz believes the Rwanda Handball League is moving in the right direction, although raising the overall standard of competition remains a priority. The higher the overall level of competition, the faster our players will develop and the stronger our national teams will become. While acknowledging that clubs continue to produce talented players, he stressed the need to expand the pool of athletes capable of competing at the highest international level. Although he commended clubs for their efforts despite limited resources, Hafedz believes further progress depends on greater investment in key areas, including youth development, coach education, goalkeeper training, physical conditioning and performance analysis. Strengthening those pillars, he says, will benefit both the clubs and the national teams. Can Rwanda reach its first World Championship? Qualifying for the IHF Men's World Championship remains one of Rwanda's biggest ambitions. Hafedz believes the goal is achievable—but only through patience and long-term planning. Qualification is not built in one competition. It is the result of years of systematic development. He says stronger domestic competitions, continuous coach education, improved player development pathways and increased international exposure will all be essential before Rwanda can realistically challenge for a place at the World Championship. Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of Hafedz's first year has been the emergence of young talent. He singled out the Ministry of Sports' Isonga Programme as a successful model for structured player development. Today, seven players selected for our U18 and U20 national teams have come through the Isonga Programme. For Hafedz, this demonstrates how sustained investment in grassroots development can directly strengthen the national teams. Looking beyond 2027 With his contract running until 2027, Hafedz says his priorities remain unchanged: continue developing young talent, strengthen collaboration with clubs, modernise coaching methods and build a sustainable high-performance culture. Ultimately, he hopes his legacy will be defined not by trophies alone, but by the structures he leaves behind. I would like to leave a stronger system than the one I found—better educated coaches, better prepared players, improved development pathways and a clear technical philosophy. If those structures continue to grow after his departure, Hafedz believes his mission in Rwanda will have been accomplished.
