Kimberly Kusauka
Masvingo’s Garikai fruit and vegetable market vendors who ply their trade at the popular Chitima Market came to the rescue of Masvingo Pirates (Depotivo Pirates) Netball Club which almost failed to participate in Premier Netball League (PNL) in Bulawayo set for September 25 and 26 due to financial constraints.
The vendors mobilized funds for transport, food and allowances for the players after TellZim News published a story in which they were seeking for financial assistance to go to the big girl’s league.
Garikai fruit and vege market Chairperson Tamisai Katini who also plays for the netball team said she was happy with the support they got from fellow vendors rescuing the team which currently have no sponsorship.
“I am glad that our netball team is finally going to participate in the PNL after hard work of fund raising by vendors from Garikai. The team was at the verge of failing to go and all the hard work in training and commitment from players could have been a wasted effort,” said Katini.
The team manager Mercy Kanyemba thanked the vendors for their support and encouragement saying the team almost gave up due to lack of finance.
“We thank the vendors from Chitima who worked very hard to make our dream come true, we almost lost hope of playing in this crucial game but they made it possible for us,” said Kanyemba.
She went on to say the team was ready and confident of winning since they were trained by a professional coach with an outstanding record.
“The team is ready now and we are going to shine in Bulawayo, we got professional training from a coach who once took Pamushana netball team to Botswana,” said Kanyemba.
Masvingo pirates is still looking for sponsorship so that they participate in other games.
