Nedbank unveils US$100k sponsorship package for World Cup-bound Gems, Premier Netball League
By Staff Writer
ZIMBABWE has received a timely boost ahead of the upcoming Netball World Cup after leading financial institution Nedbank unveiled a US$50k sponsorship package for the team ahead of their participation at the global tournament.
The senior national netball team, which is popularly known as the Gems will represent the country at the upcoming Netball World Cup in Cape Town from July 28 to August 6.
As the build-up to the global tournament – the first to be hosted in Africa – Nedbank have come on board as the major sponsors of the team.
The US$50 000 sponsorship package which was unveiled at the Stodart Netball Complex will cater for the team’s playing kit, travel insurance and other expenses they will incur at the World Cup.
Nedbank also extended a similar sponsorship package for the country’s elite league Premier Netball League (PNL) which is the major feeder to the national team.
Nedbank Zimbabwe’s Head of Marketing Client Experience and Corporate Affairs Hope Marere said their sponsorship agreement with the Zimbabwe Netball Association (ZINA) underlines their commitment for the development of sport in the country.
The financial institution has over the last few years emerged a big supporter of Zimbabwean sport through their sponsorship for local rugby, cycling among others.
“As part of our corporate social investment trust we have been intentional about contributing towards sport in our country. This partnership with ZINA affirms our belief in the support of sports and communities that surround them,” said Marere.
“We have been closely following the netball journey and we are proud to see that our Gems are ranked 13th in the world. The Gems have come a long way and continue to grow from strength to strength and we are proud to walk the journey with them to the World Cup in July.”
ZINA president Letitia Chipandu thanked Nedbank for their sponsorship of the team which she believes will go a long way in ensuring the team achieves its goals.
“We are very excited and it’s something we have been wanting for a very long time. We want to thank Nedbank for coming on board and sponsoring the Gems as well as our professional league (PNL). It is a major boost because it will cover what we think is crucial while we wait for other sponsors, the government and any other well-wishers,” said Chipandu.
“It gives me joy to see big cooperates beginning to see the value of investing significantly in female dominated sports. I would like to encourage many other cooperates to take up the sponsorship opportunities in netball with the same vigour and enthusiasm that has been demonstrated by Nedbank. As more cooperates join in through sponsorships and rallying support for the girls, nothing will stop us from meeting the set targets.”
In a speech read on his behalf Deputy Minister for Sport, Arts and Recreation Tino Machakaire thanked Nedbank for rewarding the Gems for the huge steps they have taken in raising the profile of the sport in the country.
“The sport of Netball has been making significant strides since the 2019 World Cup…since then the growth of the sport has been exponential. As a ministry we encourage meaningful partnerships that contribute to the development of the country. It is through such partnerships where we begin to appreciate that sport development is part and parcel of economic development,” he said.
