Netball gems clamour for support

The Zimbabwe netball team is writing its own piece of history after becoming the first ladies netball team to qualify for a world cup. This was after finishing second at the African netball championships held in August last year. Despite such an achievement the Zim netball side is getting little attention from the corporate world.

Zimbabwe will together with 15 other countries compete at the world cup from July 12 to 21 in the English city yet camping conditions do not resemble those of a national team. The netball gems have been in camp for the past few weeks as they prepare for a trip to Uganda yet conditions have been unbearable for the girls in camp who have had to settle for St Peters in Mbare in the absence of a sponsor that could find them decent accomodation.

Zimbabwe, who are ranked 13th in the world, were drawn in Group A alongside defending champions Australia, Northern Ireland and Sri Lanka but a few months before the world netball showpiece uncertainty surrounds the funding of the netball team.

Initial budgetary requirements stood at 100,000 but following engagements with corporates netball’s leadership is facing difficulties. Preparatory friendlies have yet to be held yet the clock continues to tick towards the global showpiece.

Food, accomodation and proper training kits are some of the basic requirements that the team needs and a video clip circulating on social media has aroused much interest within Zimbabweans who feel saddened by the plight of the girls.