Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE senior men’s netball team are yet to enjoy the celebrity status that they deserve despite being perennial medal winners in all the international tournaments they have featured in.
The Golden Flyers, since their formation three years ago, have participated in three African Championships tournaments.
In their maiden appearance at the continental showcase in Botswana in 2023, they won silver, while in 2024 they bagged bronze in Namibia.
At the just-ended edition in Lilongwe, Malawi the Golden Flyers were crowned the silver medalists, behind winners South Africa.
Golden Flyers winger Prince Ncube was also named “Player of the Tournament”.
However, coach Talent Museka and his side are rarely talked about and neither are they celebrated enough for their achievements.
“We are content, I believe that when the time is right, we will be celebrated but for now, we are focusing on establishing ourselves as a force to reckon with,” said Museka.
Speaking to Zimpapers Sport during the Zimbabwe Netball Association post-African Championships media briefing, the youthful mentor said he is impressed with the team’s performance at the just-ended tourney.
The competition, he notes, was intense.
However, his men managed to shrug off the competition only to surrender the top spot to their perennial rival South Africa in the finals.
“To say I am impressed will be an understatement, I am more than elated,” he said.
“The competition was very tense this time, I think it is because most nations are now familiar with us and they rate us highly based on what we did as newcomers into the African Championships,” added Museka.
“We arrived on the international stage three years ago and instantly became a hit so definitely when these teams appear at such competitions, they are always ready to take us on.
“So, managing to withstand all that competition, bringing home silver and producing the tournament’s most outstanding player is what any coach would dream of.”
Museka said the men’s game is fast evolving across the continent hence the need for Golden Flyers to stay abreast of the trends to remain competitive.
“I have realised that our game is different from the ladies because in the women’s category, you can predict the winners and losers as the patterns have largely been the same for years.
“However, with men the script is different, our game is unpredictable and each time teams play, you witness a different game altogether.
“The men’s game is evolving and each tournament feels like a new game and a new opponent altogether.
“This means that we have to stay on our toes and be prepared for every game and every competition and in this case, you should never underestimate any opponent.”
The coach is satisfied with the quality of his team citing that the players, despite lack of remuneration, have passion for the game.
Golden Flyers have been without a committed sponsor since its formation, years ago.
For their preparations and international tournaments’ appearances, former Gems shooter Joice Takaidza has been their benefactor.
Former Gems captain Felisitus Kwangwa has also been coming to their rescue in times of need while in some cases, the men’s team are self-funded.
“We have the quality on our team but above everything, the boys have a strong passion for the game,” he said.
“Without a proper sponsor, most of our activities and preparations are either self-funded or we have donations coming from followers and fans.
“So, you can imagine what the boys would do if they had enough financial backing.
“Going to Malawi, producing a player of the tournament and also winning silver means a lot and I wish this could lure the corporates to come on board with sponsorship so that we can do more in future tournaments.”
Meanwhile, the Gems finished the Championships as bronze medalists after South Africa and Uganda who won gold and silver respectively.
