BBC Sport

London Mavericks 69-68 Birmingham Panthers

BBC Sport

London Mavericks starting 7

Image source, BBC Sport

Birmingham Panthers starting 7

Image source, BBC Sport

BBC Sport

Image source, Getty Images

Aliyah Zaranyika was used to putting on a persona to fit in. But halfway through last year's Netball Super League season, she reached a breaking point.

Day-to-day tasks and regulating her emotions became so overwhelming that she found it difficult to articulate how she felt, and a flare-up of painful broken blisters and sores on her leg left her unable to walk.

The England Future Roses player was experiencing autistic burnout.

She believes this was brought on by masking her autism and ADHD - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder - around people for long periods in the high-pressure environment of her sport.

"As much as people are nice - I've made some of my best friends in netball - I struggled with the natural politics and knowing my place in the team," the Birmingham Panthers player told BBC Sport.

"It was a compounding situation. I get burnt out navigating different situations, relationships and spaces, and trying to fit in while not giving up a part of myself."

She was aware that she processes new information slower than others, and also worried that it might cost her a place in the team as others might not want to take the time to teach her at her pace "when you can get somebody else who can learn it quickly".

It reached the point when Zaranyika said she felt "out of control mentally" and her team at the time, Saracens Mavericks, gave her a week off netball.

"I was completely burnt out. I could not function," said the 23-year-old wing-defence, who will face her former team - now known as London Mavericks - on Sunday in a match you can watch on BBC Sport (15:45 BST on Red Button, BBC Sport website and app).

To continue reading, click here.

BBC Sport

Birmingham Panthers are one of the two new additions to the Netball Super League and are led by former NSL star Jo Trip as their Head Coach.

London Mavericks are the only professional sports team in the UK that is exclusively female-owned. Mavericks have appeared in the Netball Super League Grand Final seven times, winning the title in both 2008 and 2011.

BBC Sport

Last weekend London Mavericks suffered their first loss of the season against rivals London Pulse, in a match that saw Pulse extend their unbeaten start to the season and out muscle the Mavericks in all four quarters winning 78-42.

London Mavericks narrowly won their opening two matches against Cardiff Dragons 65-56 and Leeds Rhinos 54-53 to put them level with Manchester Thunder and Loughborough Lightning in the NSL table, all equal on six points behind London Pulse who have nine points.

BBC iPlayer

2025 Netball Super League: London Pulse v Manchester Thunder, 18:45-20:45 BST Friday 18th April

Venue: Copper Box Arena, London

First Centre Pass: 19:00

Live on BBC iPlayer & BBC Sport website & Red Button

BBC Sport

BBC Sport meets Sophie Tea Art, the artist behind the design of the Netball Super League match ball. She explains how her design goes from a canvas to the court and the message of "empowerment" she hopes to portray.

BBC Sport

London Pulse's Liv Tchine & Funmi Fadoju share the unfiltered truth as they take on BBC Sport's Honesty Cards.

Get Inspired
#GetInspired

How do I start?

Find a club in England,, externalWales,, externalScotland, external or Northern Ireland , external to get going.

What is netball?

Netball is a seven-a-side game where the aim is to score goals by passing the ball down the court and throwing it in your opponents net. Unlike basketball, players are not allowed to move/run/dribble with the ball. It is all about the passing.

The 2023 World Cup is taking place next summer in South Africa, with teams from England, Scotland, and Wales competing against the likes of Australia and Jamaica. So there's no better time to get inspired by the top teams and have a go at netball yourself!

Is it for me?

No matter what your fitness level is, there is a position on court for everyone. Netball is a semi-contact sport, so men and women and boys and girls can all play on the same side. There's also a strong sense of friendship and team-bonding within netball teams.

• Find your netball position from how you use your phone

Take a listen to the Netballers podcast for more insights about all levels of netball.

What to expect when I start?

• Netball is an all over body workout so is great for general fitness and improving muscle tone.
• You don't need any special kit, just clothes that you feel comfortable exercising in and trainers.
• You move through the court by running and jumping so it helps with balance and co-ordination.
• Walking Netball, external is growing in popularity and is a low-impact way to play the game with no age limits - younger or older!
• Disability Netball is similar to the traditional game but with a few adaptations such as using a ball with a bell inside for people with visual impairments or installing an induction loop for those who are hearing-impaired. Find your nearest club on Parasport UK, external.