By Edward Makuzva
Speaking at the handover ceremony held at the Stodart Hall Mbare Netball Complex training grounds, ZTA Acting Chief Executive, Mrs Rita Likukuma said there is a growing interest and prioritization of the tourism industry across Africa, because countries have realized the immense, yet untapped tourism possibilities that exist on the continent ,last Wednesday.
“Sports tourism is one of them and we as ZTA we are delighted to be associated with the Gems and they are our Tourism Ambassadors, who will talk about Zimbabwe. We wish them luck as they represent Zimbabwe and hope they will bring the World Cup trophy home”, Likukuma explained.
The Vitality World Cup Netball will be held in Liverpol, England starting this week from the 12th to 23 July .
The Acting Chief Executive added, Zimbabwe is one of the nine teams that have qualified for the Vitality World Cup alongside Uganda, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, South Africa, Malawi, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Samoa, Fiji and the hosts England.
The Authority donated trainers kit bags, drinking water bottles and warm up t-shirts.
Speaking at same occasion Zimbabwe vice Captain Felistus Kwangwa said, preparations were at an advanced stage and everyone is raring to go so the kind of support from ZTA is very important to them.
“ When we get in the court to play or train, we don’t worry about the finance, food or anything else. We just go out there and do our job”, she said.
“We thank ZTA team for their generosity and assure them that they will not be disappointed”, she promised.
“The Gems will represent Zimbabwe well and your sponsorship of trainers, kit bags, drinking water bottles and warm up t-shirts are most appreciated by the team”, Kwangwa thanked.
Zimbabwe, who will be making their first appearance at the World Cup, are in a tough group where they will face champions Australia as well as another powerhouse, Northern Ireland and Sri Lanka in Group A.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe senior netball team head coach Lloyd Makunde has finally named the final team to do duty at the Vitality Netball World Cup.
Makunde retained most of the players that carried the country’s flag during the qualifiers led by Captain Perpetua Siyachitema.
The technical team roped in the services of Austrian – based goal shooter Joice Mada – Takaidza and defender Adelaide Muskwe, who played for Seven Stars in the United Kingdom.
Final Team
Perpetua Siyachitema( Glow Petroleum),
Ndaizivei Madzikangava ( Correctional Queens),Claris Kwaramba ( Platinum Queens), Patricia Mauladi ( ZDF), Pauline Jani ( Mambas Queens), Ursula Ndlovu ( Harare City), Joice Mada – Takaidza ( Olympic Dam , Australia) , Sharon Bwanali ( Harare City), Felistus Kwangwa ( Correctional Queens), Rudo Karume ( Harare City), Sharleen Makusha (Platinum Queens), Adelaide Muskwe( Seven Stars, UK).
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