Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Netball Association have resumed their preparations for this year’s edition of the African union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games.
They hosted trials at the weekend to select the team that will represent the country at the tournament.
The trials attracted 100 Under-19 players from Bulawayo, Plumtree, Chinhoyi and 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 like football, netball, swimming and basketball among others.
ZINA were charmed by the response from the athletes who battled for the top 30 spots 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 trials galore.”
Various Under-20 players currently playing club netball at Division One and Two clubs across the provinces were also invited for the trials.
“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 recognising 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 ZINA 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.
Mathew Masinge