Nedbank extend support to Young Gems
THE Young Gems received a boost ahead of their participation at the upcoming Netball World Youth Cup 2025 Qualifiers after Nedbank Zimbabwe unveiled a US$25 000 sponsorship yesterday.
The Under-21 side is currently in camp at Girls High School, preparing for the qualifying event scheduled for March 17 to 23 in Pretoria, South Africa.
Nedbank, who sponsored the senior national team last year for the World Cup and Africa Netball Cup participation in South Africa and Botswana respectively, yesterday extended their support to the Under-21 side.
Speaking at the signing ceremony of the partnership in Harare, Nedbank Zimbabwe head of operations Charity Mandaza said they believe the team is the future as Zimbabwe hopes to make it to the 2027 Netball World Cup in Australia.
“Last year when the national team went for the World Cup, we did see a gap in terms of their preparations in that sponsors normally come at the last stage.
“But what’s more important is to ensure grassroots development and support even prior to the tournament itself is very important.
“As Nedbank we took it as an initiative to support the Under-21s because we certainly believe that this is the team that is going to play in the 2027 World Netball Cup.
“So, it’s really a strategy to ensure that we don’t just come in at the last minute, but we work with them through the entire journey of preparing for the World Cup,” Mandaza said.
The sponsorship is covering the team’s preparations, travel and accommodation among other things.
The signing ceremony coincided with International Women’s Day yesterday.
This year’s theme is, “Invest in women: Accelerate progress.”
“By championing women in sports, Nedbank Zimbabwe aims to advance gender equality, empower women and girls to realise their full potential, and create a more inclusive and diverse sporting community.
“We recognise the pivotal role of women’s representation and active participation in shaping the future of sports.
“I think today (yesterday) is very important because it’s the International Women’s Day. March is the month of celebrating women. So today as Nedbank we are so excited because the theme for International Women’s Day is; Invest in women: Accelerate Progress.
“So, we know that as we are doing this investment, this partnership with Netball Gems, we are accelerating progress not just for women but for a community because there is a saying that goes; when you empower a woman you have empowered the community. So we strongly believe that through this investment we are accelerating progress across different sectors of the economy,” said Mandaza.
ZINA president Letitia Chipandu said the partnership with Nedbank Zimbabwe for the Under-21 side is a testament of their belief netball’s potential.
“First and foremost, a heartfelt thank you to Nedbank Zimbabwe, whose sponsorship is not just a contribution but a testament to their belief in the potential and future of Zimbabwean netball.
“This young team is the bearer of our dreams for the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 in Gibraltar.”
Chipandu added that they were also looking beyond next year’s World Youth Cup as they aim to nurture the young players for the 2027 Netball World Cup.
As Zimbabwe joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Day yesterday, Chipandu said netball has proved to be a tool for empowerment.
“Netball is not only a platform for competition but also a tool for empowering the girl child and supporting families. Through this sport, we offer pathways to education, personal development, and financial stability, making every victory on the court a victory for communities across Zimbabwe,” said Chipandu.
Yesterday’s signing ceremony was also attended by the Young Gems’ captain Thandazile Ndhlovu and vice-captain Faith Mutero.
Ndhlovu said they are ready for the qualifiers.
“We would like to give thanks to Nedbank for being with us. If there are other sponsors out there, you are welcome to come and assist us.
“So, we are ready to go to South Africa, to go and qualify…We are going to win,” said Ndhlovu.
Zimbabwe will be hoping to finish in the top three to qualify for next year’ World Youth Cup to be staged in Gibraltar.
Some of the countries expected to take part at the qualifying tournament include Malawi, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Kenya and hosts South Africa.
The team is under the guidance of Tapiwa Chirenda. He is being assisted by Simbarashe Mlambo and Sibonginkosi Dube.
Team: Thandazile Ndhlovu (captain), Nikki Mandeya, Lubelihle Khumalo, Ruvimbo Pawandiwa, Faith Mutero (vice-captain), Sharon Mugwara, Natasha Rwambiwa, Ester Kasiku, Thandiwe Mashore, Charlotte Ndlovu, Beyonce Ndaradzi, Nyaradzai Muzondiwa, Yemurai Seven, Amackella Phiri, Androllar Munkuli.