The matches of the Makhado Netball league started on Friday at the municipal sports complex. Ten clubs participated in the competition.

The Vuvha Netball team beat Midoroni 19-6 and Madodonga 13-4. “We are very happy, because these were our first matches in the league and we hope to score well in the coming matches,” said Vuvha's Shelver Nembulu.

The clubs affiliated to the Makhado Netball Association include Mulenga Freedom Fighters, Mabirimisa Powerline, Vuvha, Masia Thandavhalwe, Tshiozwi Dynamos, Muwaweni, Madodonga, Midoroni Happy Girls, Western Stars, Madombidzha Celtic and Chavani.

The chairperson for the newly launched Makhado Netball Association, Ms Reineth Rudzani, said that the main goal of the association was to keep the young girls away from all forms of mischief. “These girls are our children and we love and care for them,” said Rudzani. “We want to groom them, so that they can participate at both provincial and national level.”

She then highlighted that the only challenge for all the clubs was a lack of financial support to maintain the clubs. “Some clubs still use jerseys which were either donated or lent to them by their local soccer teams,” she pointed out. “However, these girls are very positive about playing netball.”

The second leg of the matches will resume on 19 October.