Netzim October Edition

Netzim 1
October Edition | www.netzim.co.zw |

THEY CARRIED THE
NATIONAL FLAG WITH PRIDE

LIFE KWANGWA
GOES ON- RETURNS
MAKUNDE TO SURREY

Page 4 Page 5

2

From Left to Right- Simbarashe Mlambo (Statistician), Ropafadzo Mutsauki (Head Coach), Tatenda Shinya (Assistant Coach), Agness Chiroodza(
Manager) AND Nyembesi Kwava (Physio)

IT WAS NOT EASY- SHINYA
For the Gems assistant coach Tatenda Shinya, night before the first game. the tournament by virtue of being the hosts.
the team’s qualification for the 2023 World “The journey to the qualifiers wasn’t easy. “In the Malawi game, we talked to the girls
Cup wasn’t an easy road. We worked so hard to come up with the best looking at our chances of winning and
The Gems qualified for their second results,” he said. losing, as well as the effects of fighting hard
successive netball World Cup, which will be “The challenges that we faced prior to the till the last when we are to beat Zambia. So,
held next year in Cape Town, South Africa- tournament were some injuries, but we we agreed with the girls on the game plan
the first time for such global showpiece to be managed to work on them. Only Chipo and everyone contributed that it was easy to
held in Africa since its inception in 1963. Shoko failed to recover up until the last day, immediately shift focus. In the Zambia game,
And for the Gems, who also made history which forced her out of the team.” it was a do or die situation. Everyone was
in 2019 after qualifying for their maiden “As a technical team, we were in a difficult prepared mentally and physically, and that’s
World Cup in Liverpool, England, they will situation in selecting the final team because why it was easy,” said Shinya.
be making another history by becoming one everyone was up to the task till the last day, “Against Zambia it wasn’t that easy because
of the first countries to play the World Cup but we managed to select a winning team.” even our coaches didn’t sleep or eat as they
in Africa. At the qualifiers, the Gems finished second in were under pressure, but the girls were ready
The journey began in March with a month- Pool A and faced the winners of Pool B, who and made it easy. We can say Joice Takaidza
long camp followed by another one in May were the Queens of Malawi. was the match winner because she managed
before the team left for Malawi for the The initial strategy was for the team to collect to use her experience and height advantage,
Confederation of Southern African Netball maximum points against Malawi, and that which made the Zambian defense have a
Associations (COSANA) games where they automatically means they qualify for the difficult time.
finished second. World Cup. “We, as a technical team, were happy with
During the tournament, the Gems however However, they lost the encounter and had to the team performance, but we still have a lot
suffered a humiliating defeat to Namibia. fight for third place against Zambia. to do in all areas, but our area of concern is
Reflecting on the world cup qualifiers The rules for the tournament were that if the midfield. We are going to work extra hard
journey, the gaffer said selecting the final South Africa finished in the top two, the so that we can make a strong team,” Shinya
squad was one of the toughest decisions they third placed team would then qualify since added.
had to make as the last 12 were named the the SPAR Proteas had already qualified for

The Gems won bronze during the Africa Netball Qualifiers held in Pretoria, South Africa.

3

MUZANENAMO TAKING THE
NETBALL WORLD BY STORM
Nicole Muzanenamo has become one of the Muzanenamo has played for Freestars and achievement means a lot to every player that
fast-rising star in the world of netball. Goldreef respectively. Both teams are based was there and also to the nation.
At such a young age, the 20-year-old was part in Bulawayo. She also believe the tournamnet was
of the squad that recently won the Africa She later joined Greenfuel, her current team more of a learning curve for her.
Netball World Cup Qualifiers with the Gems, now, which is based in Chisumbanje. ‘‘I learnt a lot from the qualifiers, and meeting
and it’s only just the beginning for her. She is happy with the support her family Bongie Msomi, Phumza Maweni and Joyce
The Bulawayo-born has won several accolades has been giving her in her journey, together Mvula was a dream come true.”
including the 2019 rookie of the year in the with her coaches, Menfree Tanyanyiwa and To show how talented she is, Muzanenamo
Rainbow Amateur Netball League (RANL) Sibonginkosi Dube. was able to execute herself in various
and in 2021, she was the player of the year in After her successful debut in positions at the qualifiers.When she was given
the Premier Netball League (PNL). Malawi, Muzanenamo was so an opportunity to play goal attack position
Muzanenamo made her debut for the senior said that she was ready to take during the qualifiers, her partnership with
team in June this year when the team took up any upcoming senior team Ursula Ndlovu in the goal shooting did
part in the Confederation of Southern challenge. wonders and proved to be a strong duo that
Africa Netball Associations (COSANA) She said the Malawi task was can be considered in upcoming matches.
Tri-Nations Cup in Malawi. the confirmation that
Having embarked on her netball journey at she is ready. Nicole Muzanenamo
the age of eight, the upcoming star notes She had a decent
the importance of getting through all tournament
the stages of the sport. managing to have
“I fell in love with the sport. Netball her name in the
is not just a game to me, it’s my life,” starting lineup a
she said. couple of times.
“It has been a development journey for Before the team’s
me, especially because I feel like I got departure to the
the foundation of every junior team World Cup
before I played for the next one. Playing Qualifiers,
with the seniors is also great achievement Muzanenamo
because you got to learn a lot of things as you was so
grow. Every lesson I am learningis preparing positive that
me for the next. It’s been a fruitful and she would
consistent journey, that is what I make the
appreciate the most about the whole team and
journey. Every junior team or team will work hard to
you go to before you eventually see the team qualify.
get to be a Gem equips you Her wish came true.
for that professional space She was a regular in the
because every level has a degree starting seven, and the team
of being professional. It’s also qualified.
important because you learn, “Whend reams become reality,
it’s building blocks for the it proves the issue of hard work.
next one, “she says. We worked hard for everything. This

ZINA on drive to upgrade coaches
Zimbabwe Netball Association (ZINA) na- sound
tional coaching chief tutor Tapiwa Chirenda “It is the director of coaching’s mandate that ing success with the head of SRC UMP grac-
believes that there is a need to host as many we deliver quality tutorship from now on- ing the occasion and reiterating the initiation
coaching courses as possible in the country wards so that we produce the best coaches of the club system to grow the sport.”
as constant changes in the netball rules re- across all platforms, especially from grass- It was during the course of this training
quire coaches to remain up to date. roots.” course that saw the birth of a new club in the
This comes after ZINA hosted two netball “We had nine participants for the Uzumba area with the aim of identifying and nurtur-
national level 1 coaching courses with the Maramba Pfungwe course and it was a re- ing new talent from the grassroots.
first one being held in Harare while the most “In turn, I initiated the creation of a netball
recent was held in Uzumba Maramba Pfun- club to service talent harnessing in the prov-
gwe (UMP). ince, and the club was named UMP Queens.”
As of today, 40 coaches have been awarded “We are hoping to be participating in the
level 1 certificates. ZINA Division One league soon.”
“A lot of coaches have been left behind, espe- He also stressed that courses are aimed at
cially from the smaller provinces. The UMP training and upgrading coaches from vari-
was the second one for me personally as ous provinces so that they produce polished
course director, with the first one held at St players when they get a call up for national
Peters School Mbare,” said Chirenda. duty.

4

KWARAMBA REVELS IN GLORY
Claris Kwaramba, Gems wing-defence Kwaramba believes she still has a lot
player, couldn’t hide her enthusiasm to offer and will remain in the field to
as she recalled how the Gems recently prove her worth.
qualified for the 2023 Netball World “I cannot live without netball because
Cup. I’m passionate about netball. I’m who
The NWC will be held in Cape Town, I’m and where I’m today because of
South Africa from July 26-6 August. netball. I see myself continuing to play
During the qualifiers, the Gems went netball even after graduating because if
into a do or die clash against Zambia you love something you can’t leave it,”
which also proved to be a no push over, said Kwaramba.
looking from their previous games. “I believe it’s every netballer’s wish to
This was seen during the course of the play at the highest level of netball, it
game as Zambia trailed closely behind means a lot to me; it shows that I’m
the Gems before Zimbabwe widened working hard. It also motivates me to
the gap from the third quarter until they continue working so that one day I will
sealed their victory in the last quarter. be selected to even play out there.”
It was also the moment when the wing- “Felistas Kwangwa is one of the players.
defender was awarded the player of the She worked hard to be where she is right
match award in this match that thrills now. So I believe that if we work hard
her the most, especially winning an and play, all will be well.”
award in a deciding match. Meanwhile, Kwaramba is basking in
“Honestly I wasn’t expecting it especially double glory as her club, Platinum
at the World Cup qualifiers and also Queens, are topping the Premier Netball
against Zambia. They are a good side. I League (PNL) table with high chances
couldn’t believe it when I was called, I of retaining the title lying ahead.
was over the moon,” recalled Kwaramba. “I’m impressed; we’ve always wanted
Reflecting from the time she started to be the champions. We worked, we
playing netball -managing to compete prayed. It’s paying now and we are still
in three different world cup qualifiers working hard so that we maintain our
and making it to the 2019 World Cup, game play,” she said.

Life goes on-Makunde in writing a new chapter in her game in 2018.“I used to
my and my family’s lives..“My play from the bench. But in
Former Gems coach, Lloyd as he found himself on his way journey started when I was still 2018, I could find myself in
Makunde, is a happy man despite out. in high school. I just used to the starting 7 until I became
all the challenges he has come This is one topic that Makunde admire some of the girls who a regular. I am happy with the
across this year. has refused to entertain. were playing until I showed progress. It definitely showed
The award-winning coach who All he got to say was, “Life goes interest and tried. I remember that I was working hard and
led the Gems to their first ever on.” one of the teachers there telling improving as well. “Being a
World Cup was dismissed from Makunde was fortunate enough me to be serious with the sport left-handed netball player
his role as head coach of the Gems to be appointed assistant coach to because it might change my isn’t nearly as pronounced a
a few days before the team got the Desert Jewels of Namibia. life for the better.“In 2014 I trait compared to other sports
into camp. He, together with former Malawi went to Gweru, where I joined like football.Perhaps more
That was in March. Queens player and coach Mary Conemara and played until of a subtle abnormality than
Ironically, prior to the sacking, Waya, were in charge of the 2016, when I left for Beta anything else, netball action
Makunde was spotted at the team during the Africa Netball Queens in Harare.“I then moves so quickly at times that
Stodart Netball Complex, where Qualifiers held in Pretoria, South joined Rhinos before coming most people don’t immediately
the Premier Netball League Africa in August. to Ngezi.”She is happy with the recognize which hand a player
(PNL) was hosting its pre-season They, however, failed to qualify. support her family has given is shooting with.Marumirwofa,
tournament. “I’ve got mixed emotions about her on her journey.“When i was who is left-handed herself,
Indications are that, Makunde had how things turned out. But that’s still at Conemara, we would not believes they are special in
also come to identify players who the life of a coach. You’re hired and get anything, but my family was a way.“We rarely miss, and
would get into camp the following fired at anytime, and it’s fortunate there for me and helped with it is sometimes difficult for
month. to have another federation the assistance that I needed at defenders to defend a left-
However, things didn’t go his way interested in my services. that time.”Marumirwofa said hander.”
she noticed a great change in

'NETBALL CHANGED MY LIFE'
Merjury Marumirwofa, imagined.The Gokwe-bred player
goal-attacker for Ngezi started her netball career when
Platinum Queens, she was still in high school but has
says netball has had a played at a professional level since
huge impact on her life. 2014 when she joined Conemara.
Marumirwofa reckons But before that she played at the
how the sport has Youth Games in 2012 representing
helped her Midlands Province.“I come from
develop and improve a moderate family. But, thanks to
her background, netball, I’ve been able to change Merjury Marumirwofa
that tale. Netball has assisted me
something she never

5

YOUNG PLAYERS EASY TO TRAIN-MLAMBO
With only a few months until the Region 5 scheduled to run from December 2 to 11 in we feel like it’s something that will later help
games begin, Young Gems coach Simbarashe Lilongwe, Malawi. us.” 
Mlambo believes there is a need for adequate Mlambo, who also doubles as the Zvishavane- Mlambo reflected on the team’s last encounter
preparation time in order to achieve the best based Platinum Queens coach, also in June, saying the platform boosted their
results. highlighted his willingness to work with the confidence and could help them perform
The youthful Gems demonstrated their value young team as they are easy to work with.  better in the upcoming tournament. 
in June when they won gold after defeating “The task with young people is always there, “The girls were very happy with the
Namibia and Malawi in the Tri-Nations series but I actually feel that young people are achievement, and I was also happy as a coach
in Malawi. much easier to train. They don’t ask a lot of because we had very limited time to prepare.
Despite losing one of questions and they listen to you. But it was really a good experience and they
the matches to Malawi by “They are manageable and you can easily got their confidence  though they lost one
a single goal, the team manipulate their way of thinking, change game, which they were disappointed about,”
had already extended their way of playing and make them adapt. So he said. 
their lead and finished it’s not really much of a task, but the problem Moving forward, he also stressed the need to
first. might be in camp—being able to camp nurture players from the grassroots in order
The 10th edition of properly, and if not, we might have a bit of a to have refined players who are always ready
the Region 5 games is challenge in coordination. “That’s why we are to play. 
trying to maintain the team that played at the “I think every club needs to invest in juniors.
Tri-nations series in June and maybe boost it It will definitely go a long way. Looking at
in one or two places,” said Mlambo.  the way things are in Zimbbawe right now,I
“We have selected 20 players who we hope think that’s where we are lagging behind
will make it to the camp. The association will }because school sport has to be supported
try and organise something for us, but funds and this ensures continuity in clubs and in
national teams. It’s really important for us to
are not really permitting. But most of our make sure that we have got a lot of support.”
players are playing in PNL and RANL, and

Siyachitema relieshes Glow challenge
Pepetua Siyachitema’s star keeps shining “I learnt that you need to be psychologically generation.”
bright. strong as you face a lot of criticism and Asked if given an opportunity to lead the
She, however, feels that female coaches judgement, especially because I was a new national team at any level, Siyachitema said:
are not well recognized in the country as coach. Also, as a coach, you need to learn “Yes, I would gladly love to serve my country
she highlighted that despite showing great and understand each player’s personality, in any capacity and contribute to our success
progress in coaching, more still needs to be strengths, and weaknesses so that you can as a nation.”
done. be able to accommodate each one of them The Glow Petroleum Queens coach is looking
Siyachitema has been a frorce to reckon with equally.” forward to elevating her team to greater
in the netball fraternity,both as a player and She also stressed on the importance of former heights as the team is now eyeing for their
coach. She scooped the coach of the season players taking up the coaching roles in the second title win in a row.
award last season after her team finished netball circles to develop the sport in the Though they are currently sitting on top of the
first in the Rainbow Amateur Netball League country. Rainbow Amateur Netball League (RANL)
(RANL). “To the former players, I think we need to table with 50 points, she knows that her side
Being one of the few female coaches in the be found in these netball structures and that has to maintain the unbeaten run in order to
country, Siyachitema admits it has not been can only be attained by taking various clinch the title.
an easy journey. coaching courses so that “The league is far from over. We still have very
“I feel since I have played the sport myself we can impart important games coming ahead, especially
from the lowest level up to the highest, I think all the wealth of the one against Tenax. As we know, there are
I have a better interpretation of the sport, knowledge and experience also very strong teams with experienced and
though we as female coaches feel we are not that we have to the next talented players,”
given enough recognition,” she told Netzim. “I am very proud of the character shown
“The journey hasn’t been easy, especially by my players. We had a slow start to the
at first being the only female coach and season, but the girls managed to regain their
competing with experienced and confidence and come back stronger, focused,
seasoned coaches who have and determined. I really appreciated the
been in the field for a long seriousness, fighting spirit, and oneness they
period of time and some of showed during training.”
them coached me when I was on Siyachitema has also won the title as a player
the national team.” with Glow and also as a coach.

KWANGA BACK AT SURREY STORM

GEMS captain Felisitus Kwangwa will be which she proved that the team didnt make
returning to Surrey Storm after the club a mistake in signing her as she finished the
re-signed her for the 2023 Vitality Netball season on a high.
Superleague season Kwangwa was awarded with the Coach’s
Kwangwa will make her third appearance for Player of the Season and Fans’ Player of the
England after making her debut in 2021. Season.
She was given another chance last year

6

IMPACT OF MENTAL
HEALTH ON ATHLETES

  Sports CwPshiytihcnhyoanloggayre on helping athletes mentally prepare for a effectively.
Blessed performance or competition. Anxiety
Visualization involves creating a mental image
Attentional Focus of what you “intend” to happen. Athletes can Mental health also helps athletes cope with
Mental health impacts athletes through use these skills to envision the outcome they anxiety. Mental health often helps athletes
attentional focus, which involves the ability are pursuing. They might visualize themselves cope with the intense pressure that comes from
to tune out distractions, such as a crowd of winning an event or performing a difficult competition. This often involves finding ways
screaming fans, and focus attention on the movement. It can also be useful for helping to reduce performance anxiety and combat
task at hand. This allows athletes to manage athletes feel calmer and more focused before burnout. It isn’t uncommon for athletes to
their mental focus even in the face of other an event. get nervous before a game, performance, or
things that are vying for attention. competition. These nerves can have an impact
Common strategies that might be used Motivation and team-building on performance, so learning tactics to help
include things like deep breathing to help Moreover, mental health has impacted stay calm is important for helping athletes
focus attention; paying attention to bodily athletes through self-motivation and team perform their best.
signals and sensations; and mindfulness to building. In order to understand the impact of Tactics that might be the focus of this area
help stay focused on the present moment. mental health, sports psychologists work with include things like relaxation techniques,
  professional athletes and coaches to improve changing negative thoughts, building
Visualization and Goal-Setting performance and increase motivation. The confidence, and finding distractions to
In addition, mental health improves study of motivation looks at both extrinsic reduce the focus on anxiety. Burnout can also
visualization and goal-setting skills. This (outside) and intrinsic (inside/personal) happen to athletes who frequently experience
involves visualizing performing a task, motivators. pressure, anxiety, and intense practice
such as participating in an athletic event or   schedules. Helping athletes restore their sense
successfully performing a particular skill. Extrinsic vs Intrinsic Motivators of balance, learn to relax, and keep up their
This area of sports psychology is centered Extrinsic motivators are external rewards, motivation can help combat these feelings of
such as trophies, money, medals, or social burnout.
recognition. Intrinsic motivators arise from  
within, such as a personal desire to win or the
sense of pride that comes from performing a Rehabilitation
skill. Another important focus of mental health is
Team building is also an important part of helping athletes recover and return to their
improving the mental health of athletes. sport after an injury. A sports injury can cause
Meantal health through sports psychologists people to experience emotional reactions
might work with coaches and athletes to help in addition to their physical injury, which
them develop a sense of comradery and assist can include feelings of anger, frustration,
them in working together efficiently and hopelessness, and fear.

WHAT SHOULD AN ATHLETE
DO TO STAY FIT & HEALTHY

An athlete’s first priority in their should practice dynamic stretching CLICK ON THE LINKS BELOW TO
training or off-season program as well as partner or band-assisted FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
should be to reduce the chances static stretching.
of injury and get healthy. Four Facebook: Netzim
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strengthening weak links, proper Athletes should take time in the
nutrition, and improving sleep off-season to strengthen weak OR
habits. There are a variety of links in their body to improve VISIT OUR WEBSITE
methods to accomplish those performance and prevent potential
goals; athletes should address injuries during competition or in- www.netzim.co.zw
each component relative to their season. Common weak links might
strengths, weaknesses and needs. include the rotator cuff, ankle, neck,
FLEXIBILITY AND MOBILITY or forearms. Performing exercises
In sport and performance it is critical focused on strengthening weak
to possess a high level of flexibility links will improve performance
and mobility to perform at a high and correct potential bad habits.
level and reduce injuries. The off- Smart players focus on the most
season is an ideal time to develop pressing areas for their sport; for
mobility in the joints and improve example, wrestlers should engage
flexibility in major muscle groups. in exercises like neck flexion for
For optimal performance spend 15 better stability in the neck. Other
to 30 minutes minimum every day examples might include baseball
on stretching and mobility work to players strengthening their rotator
improve performance and reduce cuff, or basketball players doing
the chances of injury. Ideally, you ankle exercises.

To be continued

7

MAKUSHA LIVING HER DREAM

Growing up in Norton, all Sharleen Makusha Queens through the help of my coach. Sharleen Tanaka Makusha
wanted was to become a netball player. She trained for less than three weeks with As she seeks to expand her territory, the
But her mother was having none of it and Ngezi, and went to Stodart Netball Complex rising star emphasized the need to continue
wanted her daughter to have a career outside for a tournament. That’s when she was spotted working hard and, if God permits, manage to
sport. by Mlambo. play outside the country.
Makusha’s height attracted her now-club “He liked my height and came to my team “I’m trying my level best to make use of
coach, Simbarashe Mlambo, who immediately and asked about my performance. They even the opportunities I have now. I also want to
offered her a scholarship. asked if I could just play one game whilst appreciate my mom because she has been
After working hard, her family now supports they were watching, but I was not yet good; there for me, I appreciate her a lot. I want
her and is finally leaving her dream. I was still learning. But I was then taken on to keep on working hard because my wish
“At first, my mother wanted me to concentrate scholarship and started school at Pamushana is to end up playing outside of the country,
on my education,” she said. High School for forms 3 and 4, “said Makusha. take care of my family and make a name for
“But when something is definitely yours, you “After finishing my O’ Level, I started playing myself,” said Makusha.
just end up going that route. I would go for for Beta Queens. She believes there is a need to better the
training when my mother was at work and “They had already identified me and I played lives of those in sport in the country so that
make sure that I returned home before she for a year before being selected in the under-21 they carry a better image in society and also
was back. team and playing at the 2017 Netball Youth motivate youngsters who have a passion for
“But when I started winning medals, finding World Cup games in Botswana. From there, I sport.
new clubs and getting some money , that’s then went to Platinum Queens, who were also
when she started showing some interest eagerly waiting for me. I also played for a year,
especially when I found a scholarship,” and that was 2017.
narrated Makusha. After successfully taking part in the Youth
Reflecting on her career, Makusha says: Netball World Cup, she graduated to the
“The way my career began is just a miracle. It senior team.
was too fast,” said Makusha. Though her mother didn’t approve at first,
“I started playing netball in 2014 at Vimbai Makusha would sneak and attend the
High School in Norton, and my coach was Mr. training sessions up until her mother started
Chilengwe. I then moved to Ngezi Platinum supporting her in her journey.

RANL SET FOR LEAGUE SHOWDOWN
Rainbow Netball League Secretary General don’t want to blow it out of proportion,” said
Moses Gukurume says they are impressed Moses Gukurume Gukurume.
with the standard of play exhibited by teams difficult. We just looked at the teams and their “The game was played in a very competitive
in the league. capacity and found that they could not meet and high-spirited mood, and what really
Before the curtain falls, the RANL league is the standards that we had set as a league.” transpired was probably a human error on
down to three bubbles with Glow Petroleum Nemamwa and Hot Angels were expelled recording, but we are very happy that we
topping the league table. from the league for failing to fulfill away managed to go past that hurdle and the games
The league is in its fifth year of existence fixtures. progressed well.”
since its inception in 2018. For the first two The league has also been marred with several “Our disciplinary committee was up to the
seasons, things were looking pretty good controversial issues. task and dealt with all the issues that might
until everything was brought down by the In the first round, there was a case of Glow have caused some disruptions to our games,
deadly COVID-19 pandemic that wreaked and Correctional that saw the league ruling and the games were managed to be played.”
havoc across the globe. out and awarding maximum points to RANL saw two players from their stable
As action resumed, there were significant Correctional. The former had raised concern representing the nation during the World
changes in the local netball sector, as another over what they alleged was cheating after they Cup Qualifiers held in Pretoria in August.
counter league was founded. As a result, felt the scoresheet was tampered with during Commenting on that, Gukurume said: “We
several teams jumped the ship and joined their game played in Kwekwe. had players that represented the country in
the newly established league, causing great The league went on to warn clubs to be Malawi and in South Africa and we are very
uncertainty. cautious during the match to avoid such happy and really humbled by the respect
“We are very grateful for the improvements incidences in the future. and the honour that we’ve been accorded by
that have been made by the teams and their The match ended 45-46 in favour of the Zimbabwe Netball Association (ZINA).
administration. We hope the brand will Correctional. It shows that this is all about the game of
keep on growing and the teams will keep on “The “On the Glow” and “Correctional netball, it’s all about sport as they managed
improving,” said Gukurume. Game” controversies, as you may want to put to recognise the talent that our league has
“There are many decisions that have been it, show that the brand is growing and the despite the challenges that we have been
taken by the executive chief, among them accommodation of many people is bound going through,” he says.
where teams have to be removed from the to create problems here and there. But we Despite all the effort the league has made to
league. We can say we are very happy about make sure ZINA recognizes them, RANL is
those decisions taken by the executive. You yet to be registered as an official league.
must remember that each organization has Giving an update on the development,
its own set of operational procedures which Gukurume said: “A working group comprising
must be adhered to, and failure should have ZINA, RANL and SRC Legal was formed to
consequences.” panel beat the RANL constitution and has
“We accommodated teams that had no been shelved to allow for the World Cup
capacity to play in the top flight because qualifiers. Talks are now going to resume on
what a bubble requires is teams travelling to September 27.”
other venues for games, and there were some “The working group has covered a lot of
teams that could not travel to an away bubble, ground, so we hope for the best and early
which made the planning of the bubbles very conclusion of that issue.”

NETBALL WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS IN PICTURES

9

PLATINUM SET HIGH STANDARDS

Platinum Queens captain, Nomagugu seasons before the sport ended abruptly in team had four players who made it into the
Makhalima, says setting their standards high 2020 due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 final squad, with the other two making it into
is one of the key factors that is helping them pandemic.  the travelling squad to make it six.
dominate in the local netball circles. “I can say we are now above 80%, because we After spending the better part of last season on
The Zvishavane-based outfit are eying their have just been setting the bar high and high. the sidelines due to an injury incurred during
second successive title in the Premier Netball One of the indicators of that is the girls we the PNL launch tournament in Bulawayo,
League. started with back in 2017 who are now part Makhalima said the time made her “realize
Last year, they were crowned champions with of the Gems. “ that the time you have, which is now, is more
an undefeated record. Platinum has been providing the national important than wanting to worry more about
  Currently, the team is topping the PNL log team with a huge number of players for the tomorrow.  Just be prepared for anything that
with another impressive unbeaten run. national team. tomorrow might bring, but the moment now
“We all know the effect netball has on our During the Netball World Cup Qualifiers is priceless.” Makhalima said.
lives. If we play around, we know what that held in Pretoria, South Africa in August, the  
will result in, so the standard has been simple,
do your best but do it fairly.”
Asked about the team’s secrect to success, she
said
“We give all the glory to God for he has taken
us this far. It is no secret that we worked hard,
kept believing, kept the faith and trusted God
for good results.
Makhalima also added that the team has been
aiming higher since their introduction to the
elite league back in 2017.
The team was promoted to the then Super
Netball League in 2016. 
They played one season and jumped ship
to the newly formed league, the Rainbow
Netball League, where they played for two

10
Zimbabwe secured silver medal at this year`s edition of the Confederation of
Universities and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA) games held in Lilongwe

Malawi.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) lost 42-41 to Malawi in their final game of the Southern African Regional Police Chiefs Co-operation

Organisation SARPCCO games to secure a silver medal. Zimbabwe were the defending champions.