malvernmugadzikwa
Veronica Gwaze
Sports Reporter
A breakaway netball league called Tacco Super Netball League (TSNL) has been formed mainly by disgruntled leaders of the Premier Netball League (PNL), amplifying the chaos already haunting the local game.
The new league will be led by former PNL chairperson Sarudzai Chapo and former PNL steering secretary-general and FilChrist Netball founder Jebes Muchapondwa.
Chapo’s new league comes against the backdrop of alleged unprofessional operations, poor governance and flagrant disregard of the constitution at PNL.
It also came to light that the league’s constitution was recently amended allegedly by PNL founding members without stakeholders’ approval.
As a result of the chaos, some teams, including reigning champions Platinum Queens, 2023 PNL runners-up Green Fuel, second runners-up Ngezi Platinum Queens, Harare Polytechnic and Hustlers, opted out.
FilChrist went on to permanently withdraw its two teams from the PNL, which now features only 11 clubs, down from 20 in the past seasons.
TSNL secretary-general Liberty Mhizha confirmed the formation of the splinter league.
“Every natural cycle ends or begins with a birth; it would be sad that we remain where we were a decade ago as Zimbabwe netball without progression,” said Mhizha.
“As such, it is time that a new kid comes on the block to usher in the much-needed positive developments. Above all, we believe the more we are, the merrier it becomes.”
With some teams having already expressed their commitment to be part of the new league, others are still sending in their applications for approval by the executive.
Tentatively, the league is scheduled to have the first games on May 11 involving 20 teams, with their matches to be played in a bubble format.
“Applications are still coming in from clubs who are interested in joining us. Some perennial giants have since tendered in their applications already and we responded, so it is all systems go,” said Mhizha.
“The full list will be made available once the process is complete.
“We have also made an application to the governing body for us to be registered and we are hoping for positive responses in the shortest time possible, although their delay will not stop games from being played.”
According to the Zimbabwe Netball Association (ZINA), only one professional league can be registered in domestic netball.
As a result, if TSNL is to be registered, it will run as an amateur league, as provided for by Article 9.1 of the ZINA constitution, which allows the registration of such leagues.
The constitution stipulates that members of ZINA shall consist of affiliated associations such as inter-banks, Naph, Nash, the police, the army and urban councils, provinces or organisations, which may be approved or elected by the association at gatherings such as the annual general meeting under terms and conditions, as it sees fit.
ZINA president Leticia Chipandu said their constitution only recognises PNL as the professional league, although it does not bar amateur leagues from being registered.
“Last year, we registered RANL as an amateur league because, according to our constitution, we can only have one professional league, which in this case is PNL,” she said.
“We have heard of the new league from the grapevine, but am yet to receive their application, which, if it is to be registered, it can only do so as an amateur league.
“It is sad when such things happen because from the look of things, it is just a way of trying to bring chaos to netball and even scare away sponsors.”
Online Reporter