Chronicle Editor
Shingai Dhlamini, [email protected]
HWANGE Youth Development Association (HYDA) has received a shot in the arm after some of their expenses were paid by local councillor, Peterson Ncube.
Team manager, Kudzai Gakanje said they are grateful for the positive response from Ncube following an SOS when they were faced with pulling out of the league.
She said they had sent several requests to companies in the coal mining town to assist the Girl Child in her sport.
The team joined the league this year, becoming the third after ZPC (Hwange) and Hwange Colliery to play at that level.
“The funds have helped the team to continue participating in the league. We are required to travel for games and host some in Hwange as well. Being part of the league has given the youths hope in furthering their talent in sport, as they get opportunities of employment from other teams as professional netball players,” she said.
She said the sponsorship has helped raise morale in the team.
Zimbabwe’s qualification for the 2019 Netball World Cup helped raise the profile of the sport and its popularity in the country.
“Girls usually come and play as a form of recreation and wellness, we usually have friendly games to advance the drugs and substance abuse campaign. There is a lack of healthy entertainment in Hwange for the youth, so this is a good way to keep children off the streets as well,” said Gakanje.
Gakanje said that were it not for Ncube, they would not have travelled to Masvingo last week for their weekend matches.
“We are grateful to Councillor Ncube who sourced funds for our team, we managed to travel and now, we will be able to fulfil our fixtures and stay in the league,” said Gakanje.
Ncube confirmed that he is helping the Girl Child in netball in Hwange.
“The team reached out to me after they were threatened with expulsion from the league. I fully understood the plight of girls in Hwange and went out of my way to look for support for the team.
“I got responses from the corporate world with resources enough to take care of the matches between ZRP Masvingo and Mambas in Masvingo over the weekend,” said Ncube.
Ncube said that the Girl Child is affected by the economic disparities where the industry prefers males’ sports.
“Companies in Hwange have serious challenges. Heavy industries operating in the area prefer males and this has created huge economic disparities between boys and girls. Girls have resorted to earning a living through unorthodox means like prostitution, drugs and substance abuse.
“I appeal to the corporate world to support the Girl Child through income generating projects so that they can fund their own initiatives. We hope that next season companies will find it in their hearts to support our local team,” said Ncube.
Online Reporter