Taking over many towns and townships in the Ehlanzeni District Municipality is netball fever, ahead of the Netball World Cup to be hosted in Cape Town next year. Young and old netball players and fans are taking part in the Netball Fridays activation roadshows.

The Ehlanzeni Netball Association (ENA) executive member, Snowy Gondwe, said these roadshows are there to encourage participation in the sport in communities.

“There are some people who are interested in the sport, but do not know how or where they can join a club, so some are recognised during these roadshows. It is important that we also do this in many townships, so that no one is left behind,” Gondwe said.

She said that the roadshows are packed with fun and are an energised build-up towards the World Cup. “We need to unite in the sport as South Africa will be hosting the international competition. The activations have allowed us to showcase that unity and managed to get most netball lovers in sync, through the mock games and other activities we participate in during the roadshows.”

Gondwe said that each time, at least 17 netball clubs are identified in the area where the roadshow will take place. Those clubs represent the 17 countries that will take part in the World Cup.

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“South Africa was chosen to be represented by a club called Legend 40 during the roadshows, which comprises of players over 40 years old. They are the ones who wear the Netball Fridays T-shirt,” she said.

Gondwe said that the first two roadshows in the City of Mbombela have been a success. “The first one took place in KaBokweni on July 16, followed by the one in KaNyamazane on August 6. The fun will continue as the third will be in Mbombela on September 10. Everyone is welcome and we encourage netball clubs to participate.”

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She said that Thaba Chweu Local Municipality in Mashishing will host a roadshow on September 24.