dyton mupawaenda
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Netball Association have launched an audacious bid to host the 2026 Africa Nations Cup, in what will be a major boost in the development of the sport in the country.
The Africa Nations Cup is a major continental netball tournament organised by African Netball and it features the top national teams from across the continent.
Given that it is coming up in the run to the 2027 World Cup, the tournament will also serve as a qualifier for the global event.
At least 10 nations from across Africa are expected to field their male and female teams to contest for silverware and places at World Cup.
ZINA president Leticia Chipandu made the announcement at a Premier Netball League event recently.
“Zimbabwe will be hosting the African Championships next year,” she said.
“We want to bring the championships to Zimbabwe so that the nation can see how well our girls play and the massive potential that we have.”
Chipandu added that a committee has already been set to steer the plans to host the regional contest. Stodart Netball Complex and City Sports Centre have been earmarked to host the games while a third-choice venue will be identified in Bulawayo.
However, considering the state of the proposed venues, a lot needs to be done.
Currently, Stodart is viewed as the country’s iconic home of netball.
It was commissioned in 1995 before it hosted the African Games (formerly All-Africa Games) that same year. For years, it stood as a site of emotional attachment and a campsite for Zimbabwe national netball teams.
It was not until 2022 that ZINA eventually shifted base, probably driven away by the Stodart Complex deplorable state. Currently the facilities have no dressing rooms, the ablution facilities are dysfunctional and the general ambience is poor.
In fact, these are some of the key issues that the ZINA established committee urgently need to look into.
According to the netball international standards, international games should be hosted in indoor facilities with wooden courts.
Chipandu revealed that while they had been given the nod by African Netball, they still needed to secure the Government’s greenlight.
“Everything is okay at Africa Netball but we still need to get complete endorsement from our Government.
“The committee will be getting down to business soon and if all goes well Stodart is our best bet.”
Harare City Council who are the custodians of the giant netball complex welcomed ZINA’s commitment.
City Mayor Jacob Mafume emphasised that hosting such tournaments paves way for facility upgrades, while it is also key for sports development.
“ZINA’s move comes at a time when the Ministry made it clear that seven percent of the budget of all councils must go towards the rehabilitation of sports facilities,” said Mafume.
“We are also alive to the fact that netball has become a major sport in Zimbabwe, having qualified for the World Cup twice consecutively hence they need our support.”
Mafume said the refurbishment of Stodart, among other facilities, is already in their work plan.
However, he urged the sporting bodies across the country to form close relations with their respective local authorities, which alliances he believes could create a conducive environment for refurbishment and maintenance of facilities.
“This is so that when they have some of these tournaments or when they bid, we are on the same page. It also helps us speed up some of the processes, assisting both parties to plan and budget together.
“With such relationships, we are also able to marshal resources towards particular activities.
“Any international sports visitor is welcome because they play a role in sports development, boost social and economic growth in the country.
“Sports tourism also amplifies our profile so we are more than happy to host such tournaments and committed to seeing ZINA through,” added Mafume.
Online Reporter