THE Zimbabwe senior women netball team redeemed themselves from an indifferent campaign at the Vitality Netball World Cup with a third-place finish at the Africa Championships in Botswana last week.
The achievement saw the Gems repay the faith entrusted in them by title sponsor, Nedbank Zimbabwe.
Nedbank forked out close to US$34 000 for the team's participation in Botswana in addition to the $71 000 World Cup contribution and were delighted to see the Gems sparkle in the Africa Championships.
“Today (Friday), we proudly welcomed back the Gems and celebrated their outstanding achievement at the Africa Netball Championships 2023, where they secured the bronze medal,” wrote Nedbank on their Facebook page on Friday.
“We applaud the remarkable efforts of these talented individuals and extend our heartfelt congratulations. May you continue to shine brightly, inspiring others with your dedication and resilience,” they added.
Driven by the hashtag #SeeMoneyDifferently, Nedbank also sponsored the Premier Netball League to the tune of US$50 000 including prizes.
Meanwhile, Nedbank managing director Sibongile Moyo pledged to go an extra mile in uplifting the girl child in sport when she delivered her speech at the 2023 PNL awards at Jameson Hotel in Harare last night.
"As Nedbank we are proud to have been a part of the PNL and Zimbabwe Netball Association journey this year. We have shared in your joys, your anxieties, triumphs and challenges realising that money can indeed be seen differently because it can be used to positively impact society," she said.
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"As money experts who do good, we want to create sustainable partnerships and hope that the PNL has benefited from this relationship this year and will continue to nurture the ladies in netball to use the game to help build their confidence, independence and improve their livelihoods. We encourage the young women to remain resilient and steadfast in improving themselves, find ways to contribute to GDP and stay away from drugs and abusive situations.
"I would expect all athletes and technical teams in the PNL to be financially literate or at least make use of this partnership with Nedbank to gain the necessary financial literacy which serves as another powerful tool for emancipation. As Nedbank we stand ready to capacity-build and will be scheduling workshops to help females in sport," she added.
