Fireworks expected as netball tourney begins

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The event will feature 12 teasms from various regions in Tanzania Mainland, according to the Tanzania Amateur Netball Association (Chaneta) chairperson, Anna Kibira.

Dar es Salaam. The Tanzania Mainland First Division Netball League is set to start today at the Jamhuri Stadium in Morogoro Region.

The event will feature 12 teasms from various regions in Tanzania Mainland, according to the Tanzania Amateur Netball Association (Chaneta) chairperson, Anna Kibira.

Kibira named the teams as Jeshi Stars, Cmtu, Tumbaku, Polisi Morogoro, Madini Arusha, Arusha city queens, Polisi Arusha, Jiji Tanga, Korogwe queens, Ras Kagera and the defending champions, Uhamiaji.

She said the opening match would see defending champions Uhamiaji playing hosts Tumbaku at 4pm. Preparations for the match are complete and Morogoro Regional Commissioner will be the guest of honour.

“We are looking forward to a thrilling tournament despite the fact that some big teams, including former champions JKT Mbweni and last season’s runners-up, have decided to skip the championship for what they described as ‘unavoidable reasons’” said Kibira.

Other top teams that have also confirmed their absence in this year’s championship are Mbeya City, Lindi Queens, Ikulu, Polisi Kigoma and JKT Ruvu.

“Last year’s runners-up will not be competing in this edition. It is a big blow to the netball community. Other teams are still in suspense over their participation because they have to secure permission from their employers.”

JKT Mbweni relinquished their title at the hands of Uhamiaji during the tournament held in Shinyanga.

“Mbeya City Queens, JKT Ruvu, Police Kigoma and Lindi Queens are also big clubs in this championship, but they will not field their teams. Ikulu were to appear for the first time, but they also have skipped it,” she Kibira.

“However, the stage is already set for the teams that have confirmed to compete.

Seventeen teams have already assured us of their participation, but we may have late confirmations.”

Kibira said each team will have to part with some Sh300,000 as participation fee and Sh100,000 as club’s membership fee. The championship is held on a rotational basis with a view to promoting netball in upcountry regions.