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Ellina Mhlanga Senior Sports Reporter

AS the nation continue to celebrate the Gems’ qualification to next year’s Netball World Cup, Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister, Kirsty Coventry, has assured the team of support towards their build-up to the event.

The 2023 Netball World Cup will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from July 28 to August 6.

Zimbabwe, South Africa, Uganda and Malawi are the four African countries that will grace the global tournament.

Coventry was speaking at a welcome reception for the team hosted by their sponsors Spar Zimbabwe, yesterday at their head office in Harare.

The Minister also said they are giving the team US$11 000 to appreciate their hard work.

“As a Ministry we have come up with a new modified tier system of being able to give recognition to our athletes and teams when they come back from different ventures.

“And that is allowing me to celebrate our Gems in a small way and show a small appreciation by awarding the team US$11 000 . . . It’s a way that as Ministry we can say thank you.

“Thank you for the hard work, and also to show our commitment that it’s just the beginning.

“We know this, next year there is going to be support needed. We are ready to stand behind you, we are ready to walk beside you on this road to the 2023 Netball World Cup,” said Coventry.

Coventry acknowledged Spar Zimbabwe for their support as well as the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, who facilitated the partnership, and the players’ families and friends.

ZOC made the sponsorship for the Gems possible through the “Friends of ZOC Initiative”.

“We do very much appreciate the corporate sponsorship and standing by our Gems, they are an incredible team to stand behind and stand with so thank very much to Spar Zimbabwe for backing the Gems,” Coventry said.

The Minister said they are thankful to President Mnangagwa for consistently and continuously supporting the Ministry and the sporting sector.

The Zimbabwe Netball Association president, Letitia Chipandu, said it has been a tough but worthwhile journey as they are now enjoying the fruits of the efforts made over the years.

“There has been a pathway that we have followed since 2014. 2014 these were the gold winners at 2014 (Region Five) Youth Games in Bulawayo.

“This is where the battle started . . . The bulk of these players started playing at the (National) Youth Games and we want to thank the Government programme for the Youth Games.

“This is where we identify a lot of talent from across all our provinces . . . These are the fruits of our planning as the Zimbabwe Netball Association. Small things at a time and we will get there,” said Chipandu.

She thanked the Government and their sponsors Spar Zimbabwe and National Foods, among others.

Spar Zimbabwe general manager, Cypren Borerwe, said they are proud of the achievement by the Gems and look forward to continue supporting the team.

“Yes, most definitely we are looking ahead and hopefully we will continue with our partnership and sponsorship of the Gems all the way to the Netball World Cup in Cape Town next year, so definitely the partnership is ongoing.

“Obviously we take pride in the work that has been done by the Gems and we feel that the Gems deserve all of our support and we obviously look forward to them continuing on that route,” said Borerwe.

The Zimbabwe senior national team captain, Felisitus Kwangwa, paid tribute to their sponsors for their support.

“I would like to say thank you so much to Spar Zimbabwe for being part of our journey.

“I think without you Spar Zimbabwe, this journey would not have been possible, you have been with us since the day when we reported for camp in preparation of these qualifiers and us as a team we really appreciate you.

“And we hope this is going to be a long lasting partnership,” said Kwangwa.

The Zimbabwe Olympic Committee president, Thabani Gonye, said there is now need for more support and resources for the team to be ready for the 2023 Netball World Cup. The function was also attended by officials from the Ministry, the Zimbabwe Netball Association, the Sports and Recreation Commission, representatives from Spar Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee.