Chronicle Editor
Shingai Dhlamini, [email protected]
MALE netball players are challenging stereotypes in Zimbabwe by embracing the traditionally female-dominated sport.
The country’s senior women’s netball team, the Gems’ success on the world stage, with victories over established netball nations, has helped elevate the sport’s profile and challenge preconceptions.
Nhlanhla Ndlovu and Maxwell Nyandoro are two examples of men defying societal norms in Zimbabwe.
Ndlovu, a 26-year-old chef and fitness trainer, discovered his love for netball while accompanying his sister, Peace Ndlovu, to her training sessions with the Lethal Angels at Magwegwe Youth Centre.
“I grew up in Magwegwe and started playing netball in 2016. I used to go with my young sister who was playing for Lethal Angels and watch them train. That’s when I started developing an interest in netball. I acquainted myself with the rules and that is how my journey started,” said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu’s talent caught the eye of Nyandoro during a 2016 mixed-gender tournament in which boys played in the same team with women.
Nyandoro invited Ndlovu to join the Black Panthers, who trained at Ross Camp in Bulawayo.
“I play centre (C) and wing attacker (WA). I have toured Botswana and participated in many tournaments,” said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu’s talent extends to the national team, as he has played for the Zimbabwe men’s netball team, Golden Gems, at the Africa Cup Championship where they secured a commendable second place after falling to South Africa in the final.
On the domestic front, his skills were recognised in 2019 when he was named player of the year in the men’s netball league.
“My dream is to continue playing for the national team and to someday have my own men’s netball team. My motto is ‘together we stand, divided we fall’ so keep on trying until you discover yourself in terms of sports,” said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu considers his finest netball moment to be the Africa Championship, particularly the game against Botswana. He credits his coach, Siboninkosi Dube, for guiding him throughout his netball career.
Meanwhile, Nyandoro, formerly the coach of ZRP Bulawayo women’s netball team, drew inspiration to create a men’s only team from his own coaching experiences.
His passion for netball began during his school days at Lukhanyiso Primary and Mpopoma High School. Despite facing societal disapproval after finishing secondary school, Nyandoro, with his supportive family (wife and three children), persevered and returned to the sport, this time as a coach, breaking new ground.
“In 2009 I took it up as a coach for ZRP women’s netball team until 2015 when we decided to form our own netball team in Bulawayo to help strengthen our female teams. This was after inspiration from the Golden Sparrows team based in Harare,” said Nyandoro.
He dispelled the notion of netball being solely for women, stating that he chose the sport because it offers the same challenge and competition as any other. He’s heartened by the growing recognition of men’s netball globally, with an increase in competitions being held around the world.
“I have attended so many competitions right from our own domestic league where in 2019 I was voted the best shooter (GS) of the year. I have also been on tour to countries like Botswana and South Africa,” said Nyandoro.
Nyandoro’s dedication to the sport shone at the recent Africa Netball Cup in Botswana from November 26 to December 10 last year. He proudly represented his nation, contributing to Zimbabwe’s hard-fought silver medal.
Men’s netball has come a long way since Nyandoro started playing. He’s witnessed a shift in attitudes, with initial scepticism giving way to growing participation and enjoyment of the fast-paced sport.
“I appreciate sport because it is good for a person’s health and good for networking and if taken seriously, it is a good source of income,” said Nyandoro.
He singled out the Africa Netball Cup as a highlight, particularly the intensity of playing in the final against South Africa.
“My advice to other sportsmen is that if there is anything you like wholeheartedly, do not fear to go for it because you never know your destiny. Look at me, I never pictured myself playing for the national team,” he said.
Nyandoro’s future plans are to have his own men’s netball academy and to see men’s netball reaching greater heights.
“The problem in Zimbabwe is that men’s netball is not there at the grassroots so that young boys can also take it up. But with time, I’m hopeful it will be introduced in schools,” he said.
Online Reporter