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Veronica Gwaze
Sports Reporter
There’s still uncertainty over the resumption of the Rainbow Netball Amateur League (RANL) amid fears the proposed bio-bubble concept is not feasible for the sport.
A bio-bubble involves clubs camping in a safe environment with no contact with the outside world.
The secured players and officials are also regularly tested for Covid-19.
When sporting activities were suspended in March, only three league games had been played.
There are fears the sport, which has been perennially grappling with financial challenges, cannot afford the prescribed new health protocols.
Ordinarily, Zimbabwe Netball Association (ZINA) should have been making consultations with the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) and their stakeholders on modalities for netball’s return, but the mother body, notorious for a lackadaisical approach to business, has remained mum.
The long-standing tension between ZINA and RANL has also not helped matters.
RANL secretary-general Moses Gukurume confirmed that communication between the two entities was poor.
He also said clubs did not have the means to support the bio-bubble.
“Our mother body, ZINA, is quiet at the moment, though I would want to believe that maybe they are doing something behind the scenes.
“Since our communication with them is limited, we had to find out from SRC on our own because we know ZINA will not give us a true picture of the position.
“So we have made inquiries direct to the Government for the guidelines so that we do not rely on information circulating on social media . . . we are doing our best,” Gukurume said.
As a contact sport, netball is considered high risk to resume and would need special approval from Government.
“Consultations are still ongoing. We have to resume our games using the bio-bubble concept, but the conditions are tricky and challenging.
“So, as consultations continue, we need to find solutions and the procedures involved because some of them are expensive.
“Very few teams will be able to comply because under this concept, it means that players will have to stay in camp and play on enclosed courts.
“For screening and testing, it means each individual needs at least US$68, and remember this is not a once-off thing, so it is tough considering financial challenges within most camps.
“It will be a huge challenge.”
RANL are also looking to engage their sponsor, Pickglow Trading of the Glow Petroleum brand, to find ways of assisting clubs.
Glow Petroleum director Aaron Chinhara unveiled a $11 million package for the league before Covid-19 struck.
There are, however, indications the league might not resume this year.
Gukurume said: “It is an issue still under discussion, but we have discovered that in other countries, because this bio-bubble concept is expensive, they have cancelled the season.
“Let us hope for a better season next year.”
Earlier this year, International Netball Federation had to cancel the African Championships that were slated for Uganda in June.
Correctional Queens head coach Christopher Simeone, whose charges are the defending champions, raised concern over the cost of the bio-bubble concept.
He said Government should find ways of assisting clubs financially.
“Remember, when games were halted we were coming from off-season and had played only three games, so players were just starting to get into shape.
“This means they have been off the pitch for a year, which is not good for any player, no matter how good they are; and with the experiences involved, if we are to adopt this bio-bubble concept, it is going to be tough.
“We appeal to the Government and the corporates to financially rescue us so that we resume games. Remember, the Gems have a record to maintain out there and these are the same players in our clubs,” he said.
Online Reporter