Dream come true for Gems’ Ndhlovu

Thandazile Ndhlovu

ZIMBABWE senior netball star Thandazile Ndhlovu has made history, becoming the first local to play at the Deloitte Netball Super League in Singapore after landing a contract at Swifts.

The Correctional Queens Goal-shooter who will be joining the Asian club for season 2026 is set to depart later this month to link up with her team for a brief pre-season.

Under the arrangement, UK-based athlete management agency “Step Out 7” selected African players who play for World Netball’s top 12-ranked nations to join Swifts.
Resultantly, Ndhlovu will be joined by Malawi’s Tendai Masamba, Melia Soko, Stellah Matelezi and

Haniisha Muhameed and Falidah Kadondi, who both turnout for Uganda.

On a month-long contract, the team will join six DNSL teams in the league’s second round of games on a platform meant to market African talent.

The participation will also give athletes an opportunity to get exposure on a competitive platform which also draws international scouts.

Ndhlovu is elated with the opportunity, citing that this could be a life-changing opportunity for her.
“My life is all about netball and when such opportunities come, it shows that in terms of career development, I am in the right direction,” said Ndhlovu.

“I came into the domestic top flight not long ago and my dream has always been to make it far in the game so I believe that this is the start of something big.”

The towering star, who stands at 1,86 metres, is already riding high on the international scene with standout performances in various tournaments.

Having made a crack in the top-flight league in 2022 under Green Fuel, six months later, Ndhlovu got her first junior national team call-up.

She competed at the Confederation of Southern African Netball Associations (Cosana) in Malawi, where she was crowned “Shooter of the Tournament”.

She played a key role for the Simbarashe Mlambo-led side, bringing home gold.
Spotting a lot of potential, after the Cosana, she was introduced into the Gems camp as a developmental player before featuring at the African union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 games again that year.

The lanky shooter is the reigning Netball Africa Cup Player of the Tournament after being crowned in the latest edition of the continental showpiece in December, in Malawi.

And now she has been presented with an opportunity to prove herself on a “bigger” stage, which could unlock more doors for her.

“I am grateful for the opportunity, one which every player dreams of,” added Ndhlovu.
The Correctional Queen is making an impact in the shooting ring with her positioning abilities and accuracy when taking shots.

In fact, her maturity in the game earned her a spot in the Prison’s outfit.
She becomes the second player after Gems captain Felisitus Kwangwa, to land an international contract.

Kwangwa played for Surrey Storm for three seasons before making her return to the Rainbow Netball League champions.

And Ndhlovu knows how to perfectly position herself and has accuracy when taking the crucial shots.
“I view myself as a rookie in the game, still learning a lot and so when such opportunities open up, I should grab them with both hands,” said Ndhlovu.

“Playing at Swifts will help me develop, learn from the best players and also gain confidence in my game.”

“It will also renew my energy, motivate me to work even harder by moving me out of my comfort zone with the hope that more opportunities will avail.”

Zimbabwe Netball Association (Zina) heaped praises on the shooter, citing that her “move” amplifies the Gems’ image on the global stage.

“Thandazile’s hard work, dedication and talent have earned her a place in one of Asia’s most competitive netball leagues,” said Zina.

“As she takes this next step, she carries with her the pride of Zimbabwe and continues to inspire young netballers across the country to dream big.

“Congratulations to the Gem, we celebrate her success and wish her well in the journey that promises to unlock more opportunities for her and other players.”