Story by Anashe Murombedzi
PREMIER netball side Makate High Flyers have received a timely boost ahead of the Confederation of Southern Africa Netball Association (COSANA) Club Championships after securing sponsorship from local funeral services company Doves.
The sponsorship comes as Makate High Flyers complete preparations for the regional tournament, which gets underway this Thursday at Sunrise Sports Club in Harare.
The partnership is expected to ease the club’s logistical demands and strengthen its preparations for the competition.
Vice Chairperson Mr Tendai Makate welcomed the sponsorship, describing it as recognition of the club’s efforts to develop netball in Zimbabwe.
“As we’re promoting netball in Zimbabwe, these girls need opportunities like these to compete at regional level. To get that recognition from corporates is a testament to the work we’re putting into our club and the sport as a whole,” he said.
Makate High Flyers head into the tournament in outstanding form after winning 16 of their 17 domestic league matches in the first half of the season.
Head coach Mr Tapiwa Chirenda believes the team’s strong form and the latest sponsorship have strengthened their confidence ahead of the regional competition.
“We have polished the areas we needed to improve during the first half of the season. We beat some of the best teams, and that gives us a big boost going into the COSANA Games,” he said.
The club has also reinforced its squad with the signing of Zambian Elizabeth Bwalya and Kenyan goal shooter Lydia Nyapere.
Makate High Flyers are one of five Zimbabwean teams competing at the COSANA Club Championships, alongside ZDF Queens, Harare City, Chapungu and Black Mambas.
They open their campaign against Zambia’s NAPSA as they seek a winning start to the regional tournament.
