adminSikhumbuzo Moyo Senior Sports Reporter
IT continues to be a painful reality for the girl child in the sporting world following shock revelations that the Under-21netball team that qualified for the World Cup was only given $200 for their sweat. It is believed the money came from their unsung hero Glow Petroleum. “We were given $200, nothing else,” said a player who requested anonymity. She said while they were happy for putting the country on the netball sporting world, they felt “used” and unimportant.
“The country is now known in the game of netball because of what we did but sadly, nothing tangible has been given to us. We fully understand though that our association has no money but we thought the corporate world should have come in especially those that manufacture products we use as women,” said the player.
Zimbabwe Netball Association president Letticia Chipandu was not reachable for comment but in a briefing to the Minister of Sport and Recreation upon arrival from the successful tour of Botswana where the World Cup qualifiers where held, she presented a sad state of financial affairs for the association.
“Minister, we have nothing as an association. These girls are soldiers, they put their country ahead of everything. Our camp ahead of the tournament was just a classroom block, sleeping on the floor but never did we let that distract us,” said Chipandu who travelled by road together with the girls.
The World Cup finals will be held in Botswana next year in July. — @skhumoyo2000
Online Reporter