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Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE Manicaland Netball Division One League will make a sensational return to action after being on a hiatus since the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown era, with the first round of its 2023 season matches lined up for next weekend.
The Lawrence Ziko-led regional league is an affiliate of the Zimbabwe Netball Association.
With full representation in all parts of Manicaland province, there is Santa Queens, King’s Daughter, Gatsi Queens and Metallon Queens in Mutasa district.
Mutare district has Buffaloes, Mighty Queens and Destiny Queens.
Checheche United, Eastern Queens, Ratings and Expandable Angels make up the list from Chipinge district.
In Buhera district, there is Ngwebu Royal Queens, Flying Queens and Vhiriri Stars while Chimanimani district has Ngangu Queens, Rusitu Queens, Nyanyadzi Queens and Bumba Queens.
Nyanga district has the duo of Nyamaropa Six and Nyanga Stars.
From the launch done on 3 April, the league is promising to be competitive.
The Manicaland Division One Netball League will be played in a bubble format, just as the national league is being done.
Five teams are placed in a bubble and they play each other at a given venue in a move that also reduces the costs.
Munyaradzi Phiri, the Manicaland Division One Netball League Fixture Secretary said: “It promises to be a very exciting and highly competitive season. We have teams like Destiny Queens that have experienced players who have played in the super league, including Verster Nyabeze.
“We also have a Mighty Queens shooter who is doing well, that is Nyarai Smoke as well as Santa Queens which are also doing well with a talented defender, Primrose Chawira. In their shooting department they have Felistas Mavhuna.
“Team Ratings is also doing extremely well so from my point of view, the competition will be tough,” said Phiri.
However, sponsorship has been the main challenge.
“Lack of corporate partnership is the main challenge we are facing. The League has no sponsorship and the teams are covering their own costs.
Phiri added that they are using sport spread the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“Every time we meet for our games, we first address issues to do with drug abuse, domestic violence and child marriages. We are inviting those who are willing to help us fight against these ills,” he said.
“We are inviting sponsors to help us achieve these goals. We also wish to have trophies and medals for the best teams, even a token for best players per bubble,” said Phiri.
“We are also aiming at producing good teams that may feature in the Super League come 2024. Our players need to be part of the national team.”
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