Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE Zimbabwe Netball technical department has roped in young blood after new players from the under 19 team joined their senior counterparts as the team steps up preparations for the 2023 Netball World Cup slated for Cape Town, South Africa in July.
The Gems are in their second week in camp as they prepare for the global netball showpiece set for South Africa this July.
The closing of schools has come as at opportune time as junior players have joined camp with the technical department blending youth with experience.
“These young players have impressed us as they managed to come in and join the senior team and allowing themselves to learn and grab an opportunity to play for the senior team.
“For now we are still assessing to find specific areas that needs focus but since we still have time we are looking at fitness and ball work but I have seen an improvement. We are still working more on midfield since it is the main drive to score so that will be our main focus,” said Ropafadzo Mutsauki, Gems head coach.
The likes of Leslie Chikozho from NetOne, Lorraine Manjoro of Khami and Silibaziso Shumba from Platinum Queens have joined the team alongside Green Fuel’s Nick Jane Mandeya and Thandazile Ndlovu.
The Gems will be in camp up to the 16th of next month before taking a short break.
Zimbabwe is among 16 countries that will battle for honours at the World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa from the 28th of July to the 6th of August.
Zimbabwe were drawn in Pool A alongside defending champions, Australia, Fiji and Tonga.
