Online ReporterVeronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
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. In terms of the arrangement the team will join six DNSL sides 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, which reckons could be a potential career game-changer.
“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 stand-out performances in various tournaments.
Having made a crack in the elite league in 2022 under GreenFuel, it only took Ndhlovu six months before she got her first junior national team call-up.
She competed at the Confederation of Southern African Netball Associations in Malawi where she was crowned “Shooter of the Tournament.”
She played a key role for coach Simbarashe Mlambo’s side which brought home gold. Gems selector spotted her potential and after the COSANA tourney, she was introduced into the Gems camp, as a developmental player before featuring at the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Games again that year.
She is the reigning Netball Africa Cup Player of the Tournament after being crowned in the latest edition of the continental show-piece 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 Queens star is making an impact in the shooting ring with her positioning abilities and accuracy when taking shots. 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.
“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 and motivate me to work even harder by moving me out of my comfort zone with the hope that more opportunities will avail.”
The Zimbabwe Netball Association 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.
“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.”
