ZIMBABWE Gems captain Felisitus Kwangwa has etched her name in the history books by becoming the first Zimbabwean athlete to sign a professional netball contract.
Kwangwa, a defender, joins Surrey Storm that is plying its trade in the Vitality Netball Super League (VNSL) for the 2021 season.
She left for the UK evening.
Speaking on the historic move, United Kingdom based athlete management company Step Out 7 director Michelle Welch who facilitated the move said
Step Out 7 are proud to announce that their Zimbabwe elite athlete Felisitus Kwangwa, will be joining VNSL franchise Surrey Storm for the 2021 season
Welch
“Representing Zimbabwe at the 2019 Netball World Cup, defender Felisitus helped her team to record an historic 8th place finish and received the Player of the Match award on two occasions.”
The Correctional Services player in the local netball league did not hide her excitement at signing on with one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“I was so excited to know that Mikki the Head Coach wanted me to join Surrey Storm. I had heard so much about the team and it will be an honour to represent the franchise,” Kwangwa said.
“I am also proud to be the first Zimbabwean netballer to play in VNSL and I want to make my fellow Zimbabweans proud.”
Zimbabwe Netball Association president Letitia Chipandu said Kwangwa’s move is set to open the door for other players to follow through.
“We are grateful to all the parties that have made this deal a success. We are very proud as an association, as a country and as women to see our captain’s efforts on and off the court being rewarded,” Chipandu said.
“Our participation last year in Liverpool did not go in vain, we won the hearts of many and we continue to justify our very existence both as an association and country by cultivating players that are good enough to play at such a prestigious league. We wish Felisitus well and we believe she will always be available to represent her country when she is needed.”
