Zimbabwean netball men set for international showd...

Zimbabwean netball men set for international showdown

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

Zimbabwe’s men’s netball team is set to make history as they prepare to face off against South Africa in an international friendly series. The exciting matches will take place at Ellis Park Arena in Johannesburg from October 31st to November 3rd, coinciding with the highly anticipated World Ranking Test Series between the South African and Malawian women’s teams.

This invitation from South Africa is a testament to Zimbabwe’s impressive performance at the recent African Netball Championships in Botswana, where the team secured a silver medal. The tournament showcased Zimbabwe’s burgeoning talent and potential, catching the eye of international netball observers.

For Zimbabwe’s male players, many of whom are relatively new to the international stage, this series presents a golden opportunity to gain invaluable experience and exposure. National coach Tapiwa Chirenda expressed his excitement about the team’s selection, stating, “This series is a dream come true for us. Playing against a strong team like South Africa will push our players to their limits and help them grow as athletes.”

The Zimbabwean team will have the privilege of performing as curtain-raisers for the main event, the South Africa-Malawi women’s series. This unique setup will expose the Zimbabwean players to larger crowds and the intensity of top-level netball, further fueling their development.

Coach Chirenda emphasized the significance of this series in the context of the upcoming African Championships, saying, “This experience will be crucial for us as we prepare for the African Championships. We aim to use this opportunity to refine our skills, build team cohesion, and develop a winning mentality.”