Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Netball Association president Letitia Chipandu has described the Zambezi Eagles’ participation at the Telkom Netball League games as a worthwhile outing.
The Eagles were part of the TNL Power Week One proceedings that ended on Sunday at Sun City, North West Province, South Africa.
They had a chance to play some of the top South African teams including TNL defending champions Free State Crinums.
ZINA are looking at breaking with tradition and undertaking early preparations for the 2027 World Cup ahead of the qualifiers set for next year. With their major sponsors Nedbank on hand, they are looking at various initiatives to build a strong team that can qualify and compete for a better ranking in 2027.
“I want to say this was a worthwhile outing with the Zambezi Eagles and it is also in line with our preparation, perhaps our roadmap to Australia World Cup.
“We have seen talent that we really would have never realised if we were just sticking to the Gems, the cur-rent players that we have.
“It gave us an opportunity to see more young and better talent.
“And I want to say the Zambezi Eagles team is going to stay.
“I want to say we are going to beef up the Zambezi Eagles team when we have our inter-provincial tournaments because provinces are supposed to come with a provincial team. “This is something that we have also seen happening in South Africa,” Chipandu said. The games proved to be a platform for the players to shine with the likes of goal attack Nicole Muzanenamo making the leading pack of players that got Player of the Match honours more than once during Power Week One.
Muzanenamo was awarded Player of the Match twice — in their game against Southern Stings and defending champions Free State Crinums. The team is scheduled to be part of Power Week Two as well, from June 13 to 17. Chipandu said they have talent which needs to be nurtured and the exposure, and acknowledged Nedbank for their support.
“I also want to thank Nedbank for being there for the girls, for being there for Netball.”
Coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki was in charge of the team, assisted by Stembile Banda.
They have both expressed satisfaction with the positives picked from the competition as they hope to continuously assess and evaluate players. Nedbank Zimbabwe senior brand and marketing manager Joel Gombera shared their vision for 2027.
“As Nedbank we want to facilitate the unlocking of opportunities through netball for the girls and women that are involved in the sport.
“Look at our current rankings, we are ranked number 13 and our aim is to assist the Gems to achieve a top 10 ranking by 2027.
“So, it’s a journey that started years ago, we are progressing and we are looking at a top 10 position by 2027.”
Gombera noted that qualification for the 2027 World Cup is a top priority.
“It’s a journey, I believe we are on the right track in terms of investing and unlocking that full potential.
“We are working with ZINA closely to make sure that we have an extended Gems squad, maybe 30 or beyond, where it’s comprised of your Under-19s, Under-21s and seniors.
