Hosts Polisi Morogoro launched their campaign in the Union Netball League on a sound note after defeating Zimamoto of Zanzibar 42-32 at the Jamhuri Stadium in Morogoro on Wednesday evening.
Earlier on the day, Mainland’s Uhamiaji played to a rare 29-29 draw with Mafunzo of Zanzibar. The league was officially opened on Wednesday evening by the Morogoro Municipal Mayor, Amir Nondo, who challenged the Tanzania Amateur Netball Association (CHANETA) to step up efforts to revive the ailing sport.
He also said that the ongoing league in Morogoro was of great importance in strengthening the Union because it involves teams from Mainland and Zanzibar. He expressed his gratitude for CHANETA to pick Morogoro as the league’s host.
CHANETA Chairperson Anna Kibira said that the association was committed to seeing more netball development in the country but they lack sponsors to run some of their development programmes.
“We’re facing a critical problem of sponsorship in netball, so we urge stakeholders and corporate to come forward and invest in this game,” she said.
“We have talented players but they can hardly progress due to lack of support from the grassroots level unlike our counterparts in football,” she added.
The Chaneta official named teams competing in the league as Mafunzo, JKU, Zimamoto, JKT Mbweni, Uhamiaji, JKT Ruvu, Jeshi Stars and hosts Police Morogoro.
By FRANK KIMARO, Tanzania Daily News