By Nyasha Mutena
Harare, Zimbabwe (News of The South) -The First Lady of Zimbabwe, Her Excellency Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa has given the Zimbabwe Gems Netball team who qualified to compete at the World Netball tournament a hefty USD15 000 gift as they off for the prestigious tournament to be held in Liverpool, United Kingdom.
Speaking at the official sendoff, Amai Mnangagwa said this is not only an achievement for the team but to the nation for they have brought joy and pride. She said this was indeed a unity tool which could link different people from different races and religious affiliations and unite them for one cause that is to see the ladies in Liverpool.
“I am happy that the government have set the tone by paying part of the bill, this tournament will impact on the image of our country and our participation will help us in the reengagement agenda that the nation has seized,” said the First Lady.
She applauded all the stakeholders who extended a helping hand and implored the Gems team to display ethical behavior and uphold values of Unhu/Ubuntu saying one team member’s ill behavior could plunge the nation’s name into disrepute.
“To the Gems, sport is about Ubuntu, may you exercise discipline when you go to Liverpool and remember that one player can tarnish the behavior of our country, she said.
Zimbabwe Netball association President Mrs Letitia Chipangu said the girls are passionate and have travelled long and difficult road. Beaming with pride, Mrs Chipandu said girls and women run the world and the achievement made by the Gems was enough testimony that the Netball team in particular presented a big challenge to the other sporting disciplines in the country because they are also ranked number 13 in the world.
She reassured the nation that the team is not going to take this tournament very lightly but will work hard to advance to the end.
“We aren’t going there as underdogs or to play but we are going to compete and we will take them on and advance right up to the end, we are very grateful especially to the government for its huge support,” she said.
A representative from Liverpool, the hosts of the World Netball tournament, Mr Simon Thomas congratulated the Zimbabwe Gems for qualifying in this prestigious tournament. He said this was going to be a great tournament with the best 16 teams of the world.
“I join you all in paying tribute to this history making team, I salute the President of the Zimbabwe Netball Association Mrs Chipandu for her passion and inspiring women, Liverpool is a real powerhouse of culture and I am confident you will feel welcome, I wish u the very best of luck,” said Mr Thomas.
The team consists of Mercy Mukwadi, Sharon Ngwanali, Patricia, Rudo Karume, Pauline Jani, Ester Ndlovu, Mellina Banda, Alice Tevera,Beauty Sithole, Stembile Chitiva, Cclarice Kwaramba, Tanaka Makusha, Progress, Moyo, Felistas Kwangwa, Lorraine Manjoro, Tafadzwa Mawango, Ndaizivei Madzikanda and Adelaide Muswe.
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