Independence netball tourney lined up

Shingai Dhlamini

ZIMBABWE Netball Association (Zina) will today host a netball tournament to celebrate Independence Day, at White City Stadium.

As Zimbabwe celebrates 44 years of Independence, Zina has lined up four top netball teams from Bulawayo to compete at the tournament. The teams are ZRP, Eleven Stars, Sizinda and Makopo.

Preliminary rounds were played over the weekend at Sobukazi High School where eight teams competed and ZRP Bulawayo are the defending champions. 

Eleven Stars and ZRP will be battling for the first position in the final while Makopo and Sizinda will be battling for third position respectively.

Last year, the event was held at White City Stadium, with teams from different leagues competing and ZRP won the competition with How Mine being the runner up.

Lungile Msimanga who is the vice-chairperson of Zina, said for last year’s tournament, they invited teams from all local leagues.

Teams that participated in the 2023 tournament were from Bulawayo Christian League, Masiye League, Prevention Netball league and the Titans League.

“2023 independence tournament was an interesting, colourful and competitive event and we expect this year’s event to be even better,” said Msimanga.

She said Independence Day for most youths, is a day to reflect on the sacrifices made by heroes and heroines who liberated Zimbabwe.

“This tournament seeks to break social barriers and provide them with entertainment as they celebrate Uhuru,” said Msimanga.

She said that the Girl Child is capable of achieving her dreams through sport, such as netball.