adminMzingaye Sibanda, Sports Reporter
FIVE clubs have pulled out of the Bulawayo Metropolitan Netball League.
Lobengula Queens, Sobukazi, Kensington, Mighty Queens and Old Nic Mine are the clubs that have pulled out as they cannot afford registration fees and travelling expenses.
The league started last week with 12 teams compared to 16 last season. Super League returnees ZRP Bulawayo, Imbizo Queens, Mill Brands and Amhlophe are the newcomers.
The domestic league has been running without a sponsor for a long time and fixtures secretary Precious Mudenge said they are facing a difficult time which is not good for sport development.
“It’s not good because you have teams performing at their best like Ntutu Sparrows but they cannot afford to progress to the next stage because of finances,” she said.
Sparrows won the championship last season but failed to progress to the Super League because they had no money. Jumbo Queens took their spot.
Zina secretary-general Sekani Dube is appealing to the corporate world to sponsor the league. “The purpose of the league is to promote the girl child so we are seeking support from the corporate world,” she said.
Dube said it was unfortunate that netball had lost support from companies.
Fixtures: Today. Zimpost v ZRP Bulawayo, Railstars v Amhlophe, Zesa v Amhlophe.
Online Reporter