Zimbabwe sends Netball team to Uganda

The Ministry of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services has announced that the  Zimbabwe senior netball squad, Zimbabwe Gems leave for Uganda on Wednesday on government fully funded friendly matches in preparation for the Netball World Cup that will be held from 12-21 July 2019 at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England.

On Monday Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry said her Ministry was committed to supporting the girls with financial needs for their matches.

"My Ministry committed funds towards the Netball World Cup months ago and we are waiting for the federation to send budgets etc, which we have continuously asked for. Netball is not the only sport that has these issues so we are working on better structures for greater support."She said.  

Zimbabwe came second behind Uganda having lost 52-66 to the Ugandans in their last game during the qualifying stages although they had already sealed their qualification. For the African title, Zimbabwe came third behind winners Uganda and second placed Malawi.

Zimbabwe is one of the ten teams that have qualified through regional competitions for the World Cup. It will be competing alongside Uganda, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, South Africa, Malawi, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Samoa , Fiji and hosts England.