SIXTEEN teams, including defending champions Filbert Bayi Foundation, have so far confirmed their participation in this year's National First Division Netball League scheduled for August 24 to September 7 this year in Mbeya.

The Tanzania Amateur Netball Association (CHANETA) chairperson Ana Kibira told the 'Daily News' five of the teams are from Dar es Salaam, three from Morogoro, two from Mbeya and Coast regions while Mwanza, Arusha, Dodoma and Lindi have confirmed to field a team each.

"We have 16 teams that have already confirmed so far, but we expect more entries before the August 5 deadline," she said.

Kibira named the teams that have confirmed as JKT Mbweni, Jeshi Stars, CMTU, Tumaini and Uhamiaji from Dar esSalsaam; Moro Prisons, Tumbaku and Police Moro from Morogoro Region. Others are JKT Ruvu and Filbert Bayi Foundation from Coast Region; Police Mwanza, Police Arusha, RasLindi, Tamisemi Dodoma.

Hosts Mbeya will field Police Mbeya and Amambe. Teams that have not yet confirmed participation are Police Dar es Salaam, Mapinduzi Dodoma, Temeke Queens and Bandari Dar es Salaam. "We have given them until August 5 this year to confirm their participation," she said.

"They should also submit their players' registration stands by that day. Kibira reminded those who have already confirmed their entries to ensure that they pay their participation fee through the association's account before August 10.

The youthful Filbert Bayi Foundation coached by Malawian Mary Waya will be defending the title they won in style last year after winning all their matches in a 16-team event. They have at last sidelined top teams like Jeshi Stars, JKT Mbweni and Bandari Dar es Salaam that used to dominate the country's netball for years.