Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
THE Zimbabwe Netball Association (ZINA) has intensified preparations for the African Union Sports Council Region Five Youth Games, scheduled for Maputo, Mozambique, in December, with Under-20 trials taking place over the weekend.
The trials mark the first step in assembling a competitive squad, with ZINA targeting a provisional 30-member long list. The association is keen to blend locally based talent with players from the diaspora, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen Team Zimbabwe ahead of the regional showcase.
ZINA president Leticia Chipandu highlighted the importance of ensuring that shortlisted athletes are attached to clubs across the country to guarantee regular game time and sustained development.
“Our focus is to identify a strong group of players and then place them with various clubs so that they are playing consistently. Regular competition is key to preparing them adequately for the Region Five Youth Games,” said Chipandu.
Zimbabwe will retain several players from last year’s squad, including Ruvimbo Pawandiwa, who has since graduated to the Zambezi Eagles, the senior developmental side competing in South Africa’s Telkom Netball League.
Another notable graduate is Thandazile Ndhlovu, now playing for Barracuda Swifts in Singapore. The 22-year-old has already represented Zimbabwe at two previous youth games, Lesotho 2020 and Lilongwe 2022.
At the last Region Five Youth Games, Zimbabwe finished third, clinching the bronze medal after a narrow 47-45 victory over hosts Namibia.
The team will be aiming to surpass that performance in Maputo.
