Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S senior men’s netball team continue to collect medals, yet the recognition their achievements deserve remains elusive. The Golden Flyers may not command headlines or celebrity attention, but their record on the African stage speaks volumes.
Formed just three years ago, the team has already competed in three African Championships, returning home with medals on each occasion. They announced themselves in Botswana in 2023 by clinching silver on their maiden appearance. A year later, in Namibia, they added bronze. At the recently concluded Championships in Lilongwe, Malawi, the Golden Flyers once again reached the final and walked away with silver behind South Africa. To cap off the campaign, winger Prince Ncube was named “Player of the Tournament”.
Despite this consistency, the team remains largely overlooked.
“We are content. I believe that when the time is right, we will be celebrated, but for now, we are focusing on establishing ourselves as a force to reckon with,” said coach Talent Museka.
Speaking during the Zimbabwe Netball Association’s post-African Championships media briefing, Museka expressed his satisfaction with how his side handled a demanding tournament.
The youthful coach noted that the level of competition had risen sharply. However, his players absorbed the pressure, battled past seasoned opponents and only fell short against familiar rivals South Africa in the final.
“To say I am impressed would be an understatement; I am more than elated. The competition was very tense this time. I think it is because most nations are now familiar with us and rate us highly based on what we achieved as newcomers to the African Championships. We arrived on the international stage three years ago and instantly became a hit, so definitely when these teams appear at such competitions, they are always ready to take us on.
Managing to withstand all that competition, bringing home silver and producing the tournament’s most outstanding player is what any coach would dream of,” he said.
Museka believes the men’s game across Africa is changing rapidly, making adaptability essential.
“I have realised that our game is different from the ladies because in the women’s category, you can predict the winners and losers as the patterns have largely been the same for years. However, with men, the script is different.
Our game is unpredictable and each time teams play, you witness a different contest altogether. The men’s game is evolving and each tournament feels like a new challenge and a new opponent. This means we have to stay on our toes and be prepared for every game and every competition. In this case, you should never underestimate any opponent.”
While satisfied with the quality in his squad, Museka said passion has carried the team through difficult conditions. The Golden Flyers have not had a committed sponsor since their formation. Former Gems shooter Joice Takaidza has been the team’s main benefactor, helping fund preparations and international trips.
Former Gems captain Felisitus Kwangwa has also stepped in during times of need, while some campaigns have been self-funded by the players themselves.
“We have the quality in our team, but above everything, the boys have a strong passion for the game,” he said.
“Without a proper sponsor, most of our activities and preparations are either self-funded or supported by donations from followers and fans. So you can imagine what the boys could achieve if they had enough financial backing. Going to Malawi, producing a player of the tournament and winning silver means a lot, and I hope this can lure corporates to come on board with sponsorship so that we can do more in future tournaments.”
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s senior women’s team, the Gems, finished the Championships with bronze after South Africa claimed gold and Uganda took silver.
