Sports Reporter
MARONDERA– Makate High Flyers, a netball team based in Murehwa, is among the four clubs that will represent Zimbabwe at the inaugural Confederation of Southern Africa Netball Associations Club championships that will be held in Windhoek, Namibia from May 22 to 26.
The team’s coach, Prosper Mubaiwa, was upbeat about the club’s chances, saying he has confidence in his players.
“For the past weeks, we have been training hard and we will do our best to bring the ultimate prize back home. I am confident about that. The people of Zimbabwe must give us all their support – materially and emotionally – so that we remain focused and do our best to be crowned champions. We might be based in the rural area but when it comes to netball, we are a formidable side,” he said.
The team is captained by Felistas Murungwa, who rallied her teammates to be a united force before, during and after the tournament.
She said: “Unity is key within the rank and file of the team and I would like to urge my fellow teammates to be united. That will give help us to compete at a high level. I have no doubt that we have a golden opportunity to shine at a global stage. We will grab that opportunity with both hands and use it to make a name for ourselves and that of our nation.”
Murungwa appreciated efforts that have been made by the Makate family who sponsor the club.
“As the captain of the team and on behalf of all players, I want to thank our sponsors for this opportunity and for the support. From the start, they believed in us and we will make them proud,” she added.
Another player, Nyasha Padoka, said she is excited to be participating at the regional tournament.
Since its formation five years ago, Makate High Flyers has grown from strength to strength. It started as a social club before qualifying to join the Nedbank Premier Netball League, where they were among teams that are tipped to win the national league this season. At a pre-season tournament, the team bagged the silver medal and that achievement led to their invitation to participate at the CSANA club championships this week.
Last Tuesday, Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Ndudzo held a send-off ceremony for the rural-based team at the Government provincial offices and challenged the club to compete at a high level and bring the trophy back to the country.
Addressing the players, members of the technical team and other officials who attended the send-off ceremony, Advocate Ndudzo said it was pleasing to note that the club has put the province on the limelight.
He said: “This is a great moment for our sports fraternity as we gather here to bid farewell to players and officials of this great team as they embark on the journey to compete at the regional netball tournament to be held in Namibia between 22 and 26 May. Their story as unique as they hail from an area which many consider as a remote part of the country.
“From this special cradle of Murehwa district, we have this special Makate High Flyers team, who have a distinct honour and priviledge of representing the district, Mashonaland East province and our beautiful country. At the tournament, you will be putting our province on the map and flying the national flag high. You will be Ambassadors of our nation, as well as ambassadors of your individual selves on a global stage.
Advocate Ndudzo further stated that Zimbabweans are known as strong people who always shine on global platforms, adding that he has faith in Makate High Flyers.
