Story by Raynald Ngwarati
ZIMBABWE’S senior netball team, the Gems are confident of greater exploits at the Africa Netball Championships in Botswana next week.
Having won the continental crown in 2015, the Gems are once again eyeing glory at the Africa Netball Championships set for Botswana this coming week.
Zimbabwe, who last played a competitive match at the Netball World Cup in South Africa back in August, have set their eyes on bringing back the smile on the Zimbabwean faces again.
Gems coach Mutsauki said, “This time we want to try and lure our supporters back so our target is to go and bring the medal back home.”
The Gems, who spent five weeks in camp, are confident of a good showing after roping in the services of a fitness coach to bridge the gap with their opponents.
“There was no physical trainer before, but now mistakes have been noted and they have created the position of a fitness coach to see that the girls are fit and this time I think they’re okay,” said Rangarirai Musarurwa.
Meanwhile, the Gem’s principal sponsors have pledged their support to the national team ahead of national duty in Botswana.
Head of Compliance, Nedbank Zimbabwe, Ms Viola Ndlovu said, “ We are proud of the Gems even from the World Cup, yes they may not have brought back the trophy from that particular tournament, but the fact that us as Zimbabwe we were represented by the talented ladies we felt so proud as Nedbank and we continue to sponsor all the activities that they have scheduled to conduct.”
The Gems, who are the fourth-ranked team in Africa, will leave for Botswana and will participate in the continental gong at the University of Botswana from 28 November to 6 December 2023.
