THE netball governing body (CHANETA) has named a 16-member squad to represent Mainland Tanzania at the forthcoming Africa Netball Championships scheduled for December in Malawi.

CHANETA secretary general Hilda Mwakatobe said the players were selected based on their performances during the national championship held recently at Tabora Girls Secondary School.

Thirteen teams took part in the event, which saw Tamisemi Netball Club successfully defend their title. The participating teams were Tamisemi, Uhamiaji, Magereza, JKT Bweni, Jeshi Stars, Nyika, Suma JKT, Nzega Queens, Capital City, Compassion Mpwapa, Dodoma Jiji, Polisi Arusha, and IAA.

However, Mwakatobe said the players named to the national team come from only six clubs. Those selected are:

·         Tamisemi: Lilian Jovin, Emereciana Kizenga, Restuta Boniphace, Gloria Benjamini, Lilian Sylidion, Asha Saidi, and Macklina Lucas

·         Magereza: Mwanaisha Ally, Marrium Kilunda, and Eveline Mihayo

·         Jeshi Stars: Monica Mdoe and Faraja Malaki

·         Uhamiaji: Sarah Budodi and Fatuma Machenga

·         Polisi Arusha: Jenipher Seningo

·         IAA: Juliana Mashaka

Mwakatobe said the date for the players to enter camp will be announced by the technical panel.

“Sixteen players have been selected to form the Mainland National Team based on their performance at the National Championship in Tabora. They will enter camp soon,” she said.

The 16 Mainland players will later be joined by those from Zanzibar to form the National Netball Team that will represent Tanzania at the Malawi championships.

The selection panel was led by Haleluya Kavalambi, head coach of the national junior netball team.

At the Tabora tournament, Tamisemi retained their title with 24 points, followed by Magereza with 20 points and Jeshi Stars in third place with 18 points.

Mwakatobe expressed satisfaction with the performance of the teams, saying the event demonstrated that the country has a deep pool of talented netballers. She also commended the inclusion of junior players by many clubs, describing it as a good sign for the sport’s future.

CHANETA announced that the top four clubs from the Tabora Championship will represent Tanzania at the East Africa Netball Club Championship to be held in Zanzibar next month, while the top six teams have qualified for the Union Cup, also set for Zanzibar.

For the second time in Africa, the Malawi Championships will feature both women’s and men’s netball events, and Tanzania plans to send teams in both categories.

Although no men’s teams competed in the Tabora Championship, Mwakatobe said arrangements are underway to select male players.