eBusiness Weekly
Chipo Sabeta
Zimbabwe netball team’s maiden appearance at Netball World Cup is hanging in the balance due to lack of sponsorship. The world showpiece will be held from July 12 to 21 at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England, where 16 countries will fight for the honours.
But Zimbabwe Netball Association (ZINA) is yet to secure meaningful backing.
In December 2018, ZINA president Leticia Chipandu revealed a budget of over US$100 000 which will go towards the team’s preparations and the England trip but this publication has it on good authority that (ZINA) fall short of their anticipated target.
ZINA have extended their begging bowl to corporate for financially assistance.
Against odds, the girls accomplishment saw them becoming the forth team from Zimbabwe to qualify for the World Cup of a team sport after the Hockey golden generation, senior rugby and cricket national teams.
However, looking at the total lack of coverage and support for women’s sports in general in the country, it seems that they are not getting the support they deserve.
Sports journalist and athlete who runs an online magazine, SportsQueen that celebrate the achievements of women in sport Grace Chirumanzu, said its high time Zimbabweans celebrate the girls, who will carry the national brand at the world stage.
”The qualification of the gems to the World Cup is an historic event that needs to be celebrated and supported. While the country is going through a challenging economic phase we need to recognise such successes for women in sport.
This recognition does not only have to come in financial form. Kind support to help our women during their preparation for this tournament is very important. They need their morale boosted in camp so that they understand the role they have as ambassadors of Zimbabwe at the World Cup,” she said.
Chirumhanzu, an accomplished karateka, thinks the World Cup is an appropriate stage whereby sponsors should be jostling to be part of the event.
She added: “I have represented Zimbabwe in karate at an international stage and the pride that comes with knowing you are representing your country is the best feeling any athlete can ever experience. It is even greater knowing that the whole of Zimbabwe is behind you.
Let’s be part of our netball team’s journey to the World Cup.”
The Gems are one of the nine teams that have sealed their place at the game’s highest competition, alongside Uganda, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, South Africa, Malawi, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Samoa, Fiji and hosts England.
Uganda, Malawi and South Africa are three other African countries at the World Cup.
South Africa and Malawi were among the five teams to be given automatic qualification by virtue of their high-ranking positions in the International Netball Federation World Rankings together with Australia, New Zealand Jamaica and hosts England.
Zimbabwe, who are ranked 13th in the world, have been drawn in Group A alongside defending champions Australia, Northern Ireland and reigning Asian champions Sri Lanka.
However, all hope is not lost as Zimbabweans based in the United Kingdom formed an organisation to assist in mobilising resources for the team.
The association, named UK-Zim Netball Association and chaired by Barbra Chakanyuka-Siyachitema, and other officials, Tomson Chauke is looking forward to source uniforms and resources for the general upkeep of the players and officials during their stay in the United Kingdom.
