Dorcas Rumano

The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), in a bid to promote sports tourism, have sponsored the Zimbabwe Senior Netball Team, the Gems who qualified for the Netball World Cup for the first time after winning all of their key games in Lusaka, Zambia.

Speaking at the handover ceremony of netball training kit held at Stodart Hall Netball Complex training grounds on 3 July 2019, the 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. Sports tourism is one of them and we as ZTA are delighted to be associated with the Gems and they are tourism Ambassadors who will talk about Zimbabwe. We wish them luck as they represent Zimbabwe and hope they will bring the World Cup home.”

Speaking at the same occasion, Vice-Captain of the Gems, Felistus Kwangwa said, “We thank Mrs Likukuma and her team for her generosity. We assure you that you will not be disappointed. The Gems will represent Zimbabwe well and your sponsorship of trainers, kit bag, drinking water bottles and warm up t-shirts are more appreciated by the team.”

The Netball World Cup will be held from July 12-21 in Liverpool, England. Zimbabwe is one of the teams that have qualified for the world cup alongside Uganda, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, South Africa, Malawi, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Samoa, Fiji and the host England.

Zimbabwe, which will be making their first appearance at the World Cup, is in a tough group where they will face the champions Australia as well as other powerhouses, Northern Ireland and Sri Lanka in Group A.