The Sunday Mail
Veronica Gwaze
COME July 22, when the dust settles and the 2019 edition Netball World Cup begins to sink into memory.
The one thing the Zimbabwe Gems can never accuse the nation of, is neglect.
Its roughly 68 days before the tournament – slated for July 12-21 in Liverpool, England – kicks off and the team has been the topic of discussion, especially during the past couple of weeks, where a video of the Gems camp in Mbare has been trending on social media.
The small trailer, of the gems going about their paces, has been subject to different interpretations, with naysayers choosing to concentrate on the somewhat substandard conditions. Others have chosen to make lemonade out of a bunch of lemons handed to them, and much like the Gems, opted to concentrate on the heart and dedication these women have poured into their preparations. One such individual is the honourable Minister Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation.
“Just got onto twitter and seen all the support for our Netball ladies.
“Since meeting the Zimbabwe team in November, they have made strides on and off court.
“I committed my help to their World Cup last year and this hasn’t changed,” wrote the Minister on her twitter account.
Her calls have not fallen on deaf ears, with Zimbabwe Netball Association boss Leticia Chipandu and the Sports Recreation Commission all adding their voice. In response to naysayers, Chipandu said; “To make things clear; the girls are not in any way being neglected at all as been reported.
“Government is fully behind us in support and they have paid the first quarter of what we should pay for the global tournament.
“They have stood by their pledge and we expect they will pay the balance in time,” revealed the ZINA boss.
Many have questioned the reasoning behind the camping at Mbare Stodart Netball complex, to which Chipandu believes that the history attached to the venue will inspire the ladies’ success story.
“Stodart Netball Complex has a symbolical relevance to Zimbabwe netball, for it is where our journey began many years ago.
“It is the emotions engraved at that venue which we hope will inspire us to victory and remind of the journey we have embarked on to get where we are.
“Apart from this, it is centrally located and easily accessible for both our supporters and our many other stakeholders.
“We have been offered other facilities like Belvedere Technical Teachers’ College and ZESA training grounds which we will consider in future but for now we need Stodart Complex,” she said.
The association is also believed to be working around the clock in their efforts to raise money for the girls in England, mainly through Cutting Edge Consultancy Firm, in the United Kingdom where Barbra Siyachitema heads another team there.
Sports and Recreation Commission acting director general Patience Kabanda concurred that World Cup preparations are in course and some payments made.
It is association’s plan to travel with a healthy 20-women Gems squad and ensure that their monetary needs are well catered for.
