NRZ set to withdraw Railstars’ sponsorship

The awards were held in honour of the players who excelled the most during the season and to present the trophy for the second time in a row.
Railstars beat their closest rivals, Nehanda Nyakasikana, to the championship when they beat them 37-30 at Raylton in November.
The Njanji Queens finished the season without a loss and vowed to continue next season where they left off.

NRZ director finance and administration, Patrick Bondai, said they had wanted to pull out of sponsoring the team.
“I must confess that midway this season NRZ did consider withdrawing its sponsorship for the team. But after seeing the performance of the team as at July, it was clear that they would again take the championship and we did not want to destroy the team’s mission,” he said.

Bondai attributed this to a difficult operating year on account of low business, limited income and cash flow constraints.
He said they decided not to pull out despite the financial challenges.
“We decided to be brave despite the financial challenges  of the organisation to sponsor the team up to the end of the season. The decision was well thought as we have been rewarded with the

championship that we are celebrating here today,” said Bondai.
He said there were indications that next season they would discontinue their sponsorship for the two teams as they are still not financially stable.

“Unfortunately given the ongoing challenges there is  every indication that NRZ may not be able to continue its   full sponsorship of the netball team and so as other  sporting disciplines like soccer, basketball, darts and others,” he said.
Bondai challenged the corporate world to sponsor the teams saying it would be disheartening to see them fold.

“It would be a sad day if the region allows the team to fold next year or have its team franchise purchased by corporates from other regions. It would be another sad chapter in the history of the region following the closure of several businesses in this region particularly in Bulawayo,” he said.
Shooter Pauline Jani was awarded the Player of the Year and also got the Best Shooter Trophy while her counter part Zanele Ngwenyama was jointly awarded the Most Consistent Player alongside Perpertua Siyachitema.

Siyachitema was also given the Best Midfielder while Jerita Mushunye was the Defender, Melody Ncube was given the Most Improved Player award while Musa Ndebele was voted the Most Disciplined player.
Railstars is coached by Janota Phiri and has won the championship twice and in 2009 they finished as runners up to Nehanda Nyakasikana.

Railstars are the only team from the region.
They have managed to maintain their place in the Super League although they have had tough competition from teams in Harare. They spend most of their time on the road.