Gaborone Netball League starts

The first Gaborone Netball League (GNL) games are expected to begin at UB netball courts soon before the remainder of the league relocates to the league’s permanent courts. Managing Director of GNL, Loretta Stevens recently explained that so far, they have 14 registered teams but they are still open to registering more teams. Stevens said there are some changes regarding the Botswana Netball Association (BONA) registered players. “The most important update right now is that we have changed the restriction on BONA registered players per team from four to two,” she said, highlighting that it is a step to ensure the league remains an amateur platform, without leaving anyone out. Quizzed on the feedback they have received so far, Stevens said that women already impress them. “The response that we are getting from the ladies is quite amazing. They are as much excited as we are which only pushes us to make this league even more enjoyable for them,” she said. Stevens added that effective from next week they would be announcing registered teams on social media platforms. She also noted that at the moment, they only have women’s teams registered. She therefore said they are still open to receiving teams from men's side. She anticipates a strong league. “The league’s main objective is to promote amateur netball in Gaborone and we absorb ladies all the way from senior school to varsity and to the working class, which means we cater for everyone who is a netball lover,” explains Stevens. She is also of the view that GNL would be an opportunity for the netball fans to enjoy different games from the different teams that they have.