Plans are underway to develop future netball stars in Mutale, thanks to the generosity of Mr Fhatuwani Singo of The Best FJR Funerals.

Singo recently announced that he was going to sponsor a netball league that will involve all primary and secondary schools in Mutale next year. He made the announcement during the prize-giving ceremony of the inaugural soccer and netball tournament, known as "The Best Youth Development and Soccer Academy" held at Folovhodwe last Wednesday, August 27.

Singo, a budding businessman who was born and bred in Folovhodwe, said he intended to partner with the department of education in Mutale to develop netball by sponsoring its league annually.

Besides helping pupils to showcase their talent by sponsoring a soccer and netball tournament, he said it was crucial for him to sponsor the netball league, so that more girls could become involved in sport. "When you go to our villages and schools, there is too much concentration on the development of soccer. By sponsoring a netball league for school, I will give girls an opportunity to showcase their talent," said Singo.

During last week's tournament, four primary schools, Tshapinda, Folovhodwe, Muswodi and Malinge, and two secondary schools, Dzimauli and Ratshibvumo, participated.

Ratshibvumo and Muswodi emerged as the winners of the soccer category and the winners of the netball were Malinge Primary and Dzimauli Secondary. The winning teams were given new soccer and netball kits, floating trophies and medals. All the top goal scorers received R150 each.