TANZANIA’s senior men’s netball team is set to make history by debuting at this year’s African Netball Championships, scheduled to take place in Lilongwe, Malawi from late November to early December.

This marks only the second time that Africa Netball will host a continental championship for male teams, with the tournament running alongside the women’s competition.

Tanzania Netball Association (CHANETA) president Devotha Marwa welcomed the development, describing it as a positive step toward growing men’s netball in the country.

Marwa emphasized the need for more male players, coaches, umpires, and administrators in the sport, highlighting the steady progress made in recent years.

"When I joined CHANETA in 2018, there were no male netball teams in Tanzania. Today, we have eight clubs and a strong national men’s team. Last year, our team finished second at the East Africa Netball Championships in Kenya. 

“This year, we will compete again at the East Africa Netball Championships in Zanzibar, which will also serve as preparation for the African Championships," she said.

Marwa added that this aligns with gender inclusivity in sports, noting that just as girls have been given opportunities in football, boys are now getting their platform in netball.

Despite the progress, stigma and societal attitudes remain key challenges in the growth of men’s netball.

"Globally, many men shy away from playing netball due to the perception that it is a women’s sport. However, CHANETA is working hard to change this mindset and encourage more male participation," Marwa stated.

She explained that the rules and structures for men’s netball are the same as in the women’s game, with the only major difference being the male players’ attire, as they wear shorts and T-shirts instead of traditional netball dresses.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has urged World Netball (WN) to incorporate men’s netball to strengthen the sport’s bid for inclusion in future Olympic Games.

This directive is expected to boost the global expansion of men’s netball, creating more opportunities for male players at the highest levels.