Sundaymail Editor
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHAT initially seemed like a golden opportunity for Zimbabwean netball teams to participate in the Confederation of Southern Africa Netball Associations (COSANA) Club Championships has instead ignited controversy within local netball circles.
The inaugural tournament, set for May 1-5 in Windhoek, Namibia, will feature top clubs from across Southern Africa.
However, the Zimbabwe Netball Association (ZINA) has come under fire for its selection process, which has sidelined teams from the Rainbow Netball League (RANL) in favour of those from the Premier Netball League (PNL).
ZINA extended the invitation exclusively to PNL clubs, selecting ZDF Queens, the league’s reigning champions Black Rhinos and runners-up Harare City to represent Zimbabwe.
However, the inclusion of Makate High Flyers, a debutant team owned by a PNL executive committee member, has raised eyebrows. Makate’s selection, based on a runner-up finish in a PNL pre-season tournament, has sparked allegations of favouritism, especially given its lack of a Division One record.
Critics argue that ZINA’s decision is unjustified, given that RANL clubs provide the bulk of players for the national team, the Gems. Correctional Queens, Glow Petroleum and Black Mambas, who were RANL’s top three teams last season, were completely ignored.
Notably, Gems captain Felisitus Kwangwa, along with key national team players Tafadzwa Mawango, Thandazile Ndlovu, Faith Mutero (Correctional Queens), Ursula Ndlovu (Glow), Anifa Luya (Flow Angels), and Nicole Muzanenhamo (GreenFuel), all play in the RANL.
Foreign-based netball analyst Brenda Chipere questioned ZINA’s rationale.
“If netball in Zimbabwe is to grow, we must be honest with ourselves and find common ground. COSANA Club Championships is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for exposure, yet ZINA has chosen to favour one league over another, despite collecting affiliations from both. Why?”
ZINA vs RANL: A history of conflict
This is not the first time that ZINA and RANL have clashed, and their ongoing rift continues to hinder the sport’s growth.
For over three years, RANL fought for registration, only securing official recognition in 2023 following an intervention by the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC). The SRC directed ZINA to recognise and register the Pickglow-funded league, yet tensions persist.
“This divisive behaviour doesn’t just reflect individual selfishness but also damages the quality of netball in general,” said a netball administrator who requested anonymity.
“A fair selection would have been to take the top four teams from each league and let them compete for the COSANA slots. Instead, we are seeing favouritism at play.”
Former Gems coach and Flow Angels head coach Tatenda Shinya believes ZINA’s handling of the selection process undermines national netball development.
“Our national team barely gets international friendlies, and this was a prime opportunity to expose all our top players. Instead, pride and favouritism have taken precedence over the sport’s best interests,” said Shinya.
However, national and Harare City coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki urged the selected clubs to make the most of the opportunity.
“We are grateful for the chance to compete at such a level. This will help local players who have never played internationally to showcase their talent,” Mutsauki said.
As Zimbabwean netball grapples with declining international rankings, falling from eighth place at the 2019 World Cup in Liverpool to 13th out of 16 in Cape Town 2023, many believe internal divisions are a major setback.
“We need a mature, forward-thinking approach,” said another netball administrator.
“If we continue with this divisiveness, we will only stagnate while our competitors grow stronger.”
Online Reporter