THE silver medal the men’s senior netball team clinched at the Africa Netball Cup in Lilongwe, Malawi, is a remarkable achievement. The “Golden Flyers” have not only secured second place on the continent but have showcased grit, talent and a meteoric rise that defies the sport’s brief history in Zimbabwe.
This silver medal is more than a silverware, it is a statement.
After winning bronze last year, the team has improved, proving that its success is no fluke. Losing only to defending champions South Africa, 40-29, in the final, the Golden Flyers defeated every other team, firmly establishing themselves as Africa’s second-best men’s netball team.
What makes this feat even more remarkable is the context.
Men's netball in Zimbabwe is still in its infancy. The first league competition was only established in 2018 at Stodart Netball Complex, struggling initially to gain traction and visibility.
Their first international assignment was barely two years ago at the 13th edition of the Africa Netball Cup in Botswana.
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In that short period, the team has managed to break barriers and shatter stereotypes, transforming a relatively new sport into national pride. They have gone from nascent league to continental powerhouse with breathtaking speed.
The individual accolades are an icing on the cake. Heartfelt congratulations are due to Prince Ncube for being named the Men’s Player of the Tournament.
Now is the critical juncture where this achievement must be translated to lasting support. The team’s journey has been made difficult by the glaring lack of corporate sponsorship.
While the women's national team, the Gems, enjoy support from institutions like Nedbank Zimbabwe, the men's game has largely been left to fend for itself.
These men, who have placed Zimbabwe on the continental sporting map, should reap the rewards and benefits of their achievement.
This coveted medal is an invaluable marketing asset. If they achieved this much with so little, imagine what they could accomplish with adequate resources.
Support allows the team to compete with the well-oiled and professionally supported South African side, with the ultimate goal of dislodging them at future continental championships.
Also sporting success unites the nation and enhances Zimbabwe’s image on the international stage.
Perhaps another bank, inspired by Nedbank’s successful partnership with the Gems, can come to the aid of the Golden Flyers. Their spectacular performance has earned them the right to compete as equals, not as underdogs struggling for resources.
Corporate Zimbabwe must recognise that supporting the Golden Flyers is more than philanthropy — it is an investment in a proven, rising brand, a dynamic sport and the future of Zimbabwean male athletics. The silver medal is a signal that Zimbabwe can compete at the highest level, provided it backs its talent.