Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Netball Association have resumed their preparations for this year’s edition of the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games after hosting trials at the weekend, to select the team that will do duty at the tournament.
The trials in Harare attracted 100 Under-19 players from Bulawayo, Plumtree, Chinhoyi, Mutare among other areas across the country.
The 12th edition of the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games will be hosted in Maputo, Mozambique from December 4 to 13, 2026.
This multi-sport event brings together athletes from 10 Southern African countries, featuring sports such as foot-ball, netball, swimming and basketball.
ZINA were charmed by the response from the athletes who battled for the top 30 spot at the trials. “We are building a team for the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games, in fact, we started scouting at the NASH Under-20 Nationals last year,” ZINA secretary general Racheal Tinorwirashe said.
“From the event, we scouted a number of promising athletes whom we also invited to be part of the weekend giant trails galore.”
Various Under-20 players currently playing club netball at Division One and Two across the provinces were also invited for the trials through the provincial Executives and Technical Heads.
This, notes Tinorwiraishe, was meant to create inclusivity and fairness, ensuring every province contributes to the national netball pool.
“We also had schools’ talent; learners scouted from ATS schools during last year’s Under-20 competitions in Gweru who were also invited for the trials,” she said.
“This was our way of recognizing skills from diverse educational institutions and backgrounds. “Also to accommodate everyone, league invitations were extended to Under-20 players from both Rainbow and Premier Netball leagues whose competitive experience was meant to raise the standard of the trials.”
However, the secretary general said the trials remain open to all talented players from colleges and universities nationwide.
This is meant to ensure that emerging talent from tertiary institutions is recognised and given equal opportunity.
She emphasised that the selected players will undergo structured training, fitness assessments, and tactical drills at dates to be set. “To make the youngsters competitive on an international stage, we need to have enough time to focus on training and conditioning and undergo regular fitness tests to monitor stamina, speed, and strength,” she said.
“We will also have skills sessions focusing on shooting, defence, midcourt transitions, and team strategies emphasising largely on discipline and teamwork.”
To help them acclimatise to high standards of competition, the Under-20s will frequently join senior teams in periodic camps building up to coming competitions.
Tinorwirashea said coaches would also conduct performance monitoring.
The players will also be evaluated during friendly matches and practice games where coaches and selectors will be able to track consistency in match temperament.
“Now from a 30-member squad, we will trim down to 20 based on performance and readiness,” she said.
“From there we will narrow the number down to a desired 15 who make the provisional squad for Region 5 before we then come up with the final 12 in December.
“This is where we will also focus on competitive simulations like medical and fitness clearance and tactical balance.”
