Friends of ZOC aim for more

Fungai Muderere

DAYS after entering into a partnership with Spar Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Netball Association (Zina), the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) has revealed it is aiming at getting more such deals as they prepare their teams for various world competitions.

The recently clinched deal between the three partners came at a time when the country’ flagship netball side, the Gems, are set to embark on their 2023 World Cup qualification journey.

In a statement, ZOC said: “We are looking forward to more partners joining the “Friends of ZOC” initiative as we prepare our Teams for the Various World Championships and World Cups this Year, Africa Youth Games Cairo 2022, AUSC Region 5 Games Malawi 2022, All Africa Games Ghana 2023, Paris 2024, Olympic Youth Games 2026 and LA2028.”

Spar Zimbabwe’s support targeting the national netball team will see the Gems getting the much-needed assistance towards their qualification journey already earnestly under way for the Cape Town 2023 Netball World Cup.

The Gems made history in 2019 by qualifying for the Netball World Cup in Liverpool, England, and were ranked 8th on this maiden appearance under very difficult conditions.

They are in the running once again for yet another qualification and the support from Spar Zimbabwe is expected to spur the team to greater heights.

The Gems technical team is in the process of blending youth and experience as they aim to qualify for the 2023 Netball World Cup set for Cape Town, South Africa in August.

Spar Zimbabwe will also extend their support to targeting netball grassroots development in the country’s communities to create hope for all.

The team, which has Ropafadzo Mutsauki as the head of the technical team, has been in camp since March. They were set to engage Malawi and Uganda in preparatory matches.

Gems provisional squad

Claris Kwaramba (Platinum Queens), Priscilla Ndlovu (Platinum Queens), Chipo Shoko (Platinum Queens), Lynette Tanhira (Platinum Queens), Progress Moyo (Platinum Queens), Tanaka Makusha (Platinum Queens, Merjury Marumirofa (Ngezi Platinum), Sharon Bwanali (ZDF), Tafadzwa Matura (ZDF), Portia Miti (ZDF), Nicol Muzanenamo (Green Fuel), Mitchel Muzanenamo (Green Fuel), Marian Chiwawa (Masvingo City Stars), Rudo Simbi (Harare City), Jeminah Washeke (Harare City), Takadanaishe Zimusi (Harare City), Nobukhosi Ndlovu (Goldreef), Yeukai Chamba (Tornados Queens, South Africa).

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