Netball coach bemoans lack of sponsorship, competition

LACK of regular competitive action and sponsorship has become the Achilles’ heel of the growth and development of netball in Bulawayo, according to coach Bhekimpilo Mabhena.

Mabhena, the founder and coach of Lethal Angels, a Magwegwe-based netball side, said in as much as there is talent in the city, full potential can never be reached without funding.

“I have been involved in netball for some time now and l tell you the standards have diminished. The major cause for this nose-dive is that we do not have sponsorship. We are surviving from hand to mouth, which is not noble for the sport,” said Mabhena.

“As it is we should be playing in the Division One league, but we can’t afford, so we settled for the HIV Prevention League, which falls far short of the Division One league. We need sponsors to cushion us. The club has been funded from my own pocket since formation and our training gear is not up to scratch.”

Mabhena, who is also a pioneer of men’s netball, said they want the men’s team to be part of the Super League. SWANSEA CITY yesterday announced the sacking of manager Paul Clement, with the club rooted at the bottom of the Premier League.

“We can confirm that the club has tonight parted company with head coach Paul Clement,” the club said on its Twitter account. — SuperSport