Kenyan teams will miss the East Africa Netball Club Championships in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from May 12 to 21 due to financial constraints.
Kenya Netball Federation secretary general Millicent Busolo said: “Both Ulinzi Swords and Prisons Kenya were prepared to represent Kenya in the regional tournament. However, both teams were forced to withdraw as their administrators lacked the financial resources necessary for their participation.”
Kenya’s absence has left the organisers, the Tanzania Amateur Netball Association (Tana), concerned.
Chairperson Devotha Marwa said: “The Netball fraternity across East Africa is saddened by Kenya’s absence. It’s an issue that urgently requires government intervention if we are to see the sport flourish in Kenya.”
Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing in Tanzania with teams from Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Zambia, Botswana and Malawi expected.
“The facilities at the Indoor National Stadium in Dar es Salaam are top-notch and clubs are already gearing up for the championships,” noted Marwa.
Meanwhile, defending women’s champions, the National Insurance Company (NIC) from Uganda, expect strong opposition, especially from Uganda Prisons, whom they beat 49-37 in last year’s decider.
