Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFTER the heartbreak of missing out in the recent Africa Cup in Kenya due to crippling financial constraints, Zimbabwe senior men’s netball team have been thrown a lifeline to prove their competitiveness on a big stage.
The Golden Flyers, as they are affectionately known were supposed to defend their hard-earned status as two-time silver medallists in Africa, but could not raise the required funds to travel to Kenya.
They were forced to watch from the sidelines as continental giants South Africa reclaimed their prestigious title.
Midcourt star Prince Ncube was also set to defend his title as Player of the Tournament after being crowned in 2025 in Malawi, while his female counterpart Thandazile Ndlovu won the same coveted title in the ladies category during the same competition.
Despite the disappointment of missing the Nairobi showcase, the Golden Flyers have been invited to be part of the upcoming Men’s Super Power Week scheduled for November 11 to 15, offering a welcome return to international competition.
The tournament draws together 10 competitive teams from across the Southern African region.
The tournament draws together national teams hosts South Africa who are known as Protea Warriors, Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa Under-23 and Eswatini, while institutional clubs South
Africa Police Service, South Africa National Defence Force, Royal Bafokeng, University of Sport
South Africa and Department of Correctional Services all battling for supremacy.
South Africa senior women’s national team, the highly rated SPAR Proteas, will also feature as guest participants at the iconic Wembley Indoor Arena in Johannesburg, adding extra glamour to the event.
Golden Flyers team manager Carlos Harawa said the tournament is a crucial step for a national side that has endured a frustrating nine months of international inactivity and are desperate for game time.
“It was heartbreaking not to be able to participate at the Africa Cup especially when so much was at stake for us,” he said.
“We are happy that another opportunity availed, though not as big but we will play so many teams and it is the exposure which means a lot to us as we are already focused on preparing for the 2027 Africa Cup doubling as inaugural Men’s Netball World Cup Qualifiers.”
He said the tournament will give Zimbabwe a perfect opportunity to assess their players, introduce exciting new talent into the fold and test different combinations against strong opponents such as South Africa and Eswatini, who have both benefited immensely from valuable international exposure in recent years.
“Our ambition is not merely to participate, but to build a competitive Zimbabwean team capable of challenging the best in Africa and beyond,” he emphasised.
The team is expected to regroup on November 1 to intensify their preparations ahead of the demanding tournament in South Africa.
Due to perennial financial challenges that continue to haunt the team, only nine players will travel from Zimbabwe on a self-funded budget, and they will be joined by six others who are based in South Africa to make up the squad.
“We had to give preference to all players in South Africa even without proper update on their current form because this will help us reduce expenses significantly,” Harawa said.
“Financial challenges continue to haunt us, but our love for Zimbabwe and our commitment to raising the national flag has not diminished.
“Our players are willing to contribute from their own pockets because they believe in the cause but patriotism alone is not sustainable so we appeal to corporates, institutions and well-wishers to support us.
“There is so much potential in male netball in Zimbabwe and our chances of even participating in the World Cup are very high but without financial support, everything is difficult for us.”
