CNU courts given revamp

THE Chatsworth Netball Union (CNU) is set to receive a major boost with confirmation from ethekwini Municipality that its base will undergo a revamp this year.

Now in its 19th year of existence, the CNU, which is based at the Chatsworth Sports Complex, Durban, will finally have their courts resurfaced.

The news came as the federation prepared to launch its Junior Open Tournament, scheduled for April 6.

“We are ecstatic. The courts needed work and a revamp will allow us to build on our mission to grow the sport in Chatsworth,” said CNU president Maggie Govender.

“We will also be given our own access to the court. Previously we shared the premises with driving schools, which left the surface greasy.”

The CNU is by far the most vibrant association in the province, with almost 400 players involved in their junior and senior structures.

“It feels great to kick off early. Netball is not just a winter sport anymore, it is played throughout the year. This gives us a good chance to get our players involved in the ethekwini Netball Open Tournament, which we missed in previous years,” Govender said.

She said one of their priorities was to build an U19 pool of players.

“We have players from under-11 to under-17 at the moment, but we want to keep growing.

“This year we will be selecting an U19 team to play in the ethekwini Netball Development League. That will give our players great exposure and help with their jump into the senior volleyball ranks.”

The emergence of the Spar Proteas and the Kingdom Stars, Kwazulu-natal’s very own national league team, has inspired local players and she said this was the perfect time to hone South Africa’s future stars.

“We know our players have the potential. Top netball is visible to them, the opportunities exist, and our players understand that.

“We are looking forward to another exciting season and appeal to the local business community to get behind us and back our girls.”