Chipandu’s urgent appeal

ZIMBABWE Netball Association President Leticia Chipandu has called on clubs to put extra effort into signing the best players possible ahead of the 2019 netball season.

It is her hope that Gems’ head coach Lloyd Makumbe has the best possible squad when Zimbabwe travels to Liverpool, England for the 2019 World Cup slated for July 12-21.

But before then, the onus will be on the two netball leagues to put their best foot forward and come up with competitive clubs and players.

“This is a crucial year for Zimbabwe netball, and it calls for calculative moves right down from grassroot and club level right to the association.

“Clubs need to assemble very strong squads because in as much as it is competition at club level, we are in quest to assemble the best possible squad for the programs lined up this year

“The World Cup is the ultimate goal and everyone needs to move in one direction.

“More than ever, this time clubs need to be calculative when signing on players and the players too need to make wise decisions because this is their opportunity to shine,” she said.

Chipandu said vibrant clubs provide a conducive platform from which they can assemble the national team.

With very little time in camp, she said club games provide the ideal opportunity for these girls to shine.

“Previously, we have strived to assemble strong teams but these were wasted at lower level competitions, but that won’t be the case this year.

“We do not want to go there and make up the numbers, we want to go there and challenge for honours. Clubs, therefore, have a lot of work to do as it pertains to preparing their players.

“We have never divided our players based on which league one is affiliated to and we will continue to uphold professionalism in the selection process,” said Chipandu.

The netball season is expected to kick off mid next month.