Excitement as netball national championship draws closer
Netball players battle for the ball during a past tournament in Dar es Salaam. PHOTO|FILE
What you need to know:
Fourteen teams have so far confirmed their participation for the annual event, which will take place in Shinyanga from Sunday
Dar es Salaam. Netball enthusiasts are already at fever pitch as the national championship draws closer.
Fourteen teams have so far confirmed their participation for the annual event, which will take place in Shinyanga from Sunday.
Tanzania Amateur Netball Association (Chaneta) chairperson, Anna Kibira said yesterday that preparations for the tournament were in place and voiced optimism for a more competitive event this time around.
“The stage is already set for this year’s edition of the championship as 14 teams brace for what would be the toughest event in recent seasons,” said the Chaneta chairperson.
According to her, three clubs that will finish at the top will secure a chance to represent the nation at next year’s East African Netball Championship that will be held in the Ugandan capital city of Kampala.
She added that the would-be three country’s flag bearers in the regional event will also represent Tanzania mainland at the union championship in Zanzibar. The two sides of Tanzania will field four teams.
Kibira named the teams lined up for the battle in Shinyanga this weekend as JKT Mbweni, Uhamiaji, Jeshi Stars, Police Morogoro and Tumbaku Morogoro.
Others are Jiji Queens, CMTU, Korogwe, Arusha Queens, Police Arusha, Kongowe Pwani, Mbeya City, Sedico and hosts, Police Shinyanga.
The championship is held on a rotational basis with a view to promoting netball in upcountry regions. Dodoma hosted the previous edition.
“We have been organising the event on a rotational basis to promote the sport in upcountry regions as well as improving playing facilities,” she said.
Chaneta is looking forward to increasing their netball promotional activities considering the recent plunge in the world rankings.
Tanzania has not participated in major international events for two years or so owing to lack of funds.
Tanzania was at number 15 globally and third on the continent, but after skipping recent topflight tournaments, they are out of the picture completely.
