Netball: Battling without a gaffer!

STAR Stanbic Queens shooter Caroline Musemwa has bemoaned the absence of a coach at her Netball Super League side.
Stanbic have been doing business without a gaffer this season but still find themselves seated on fifth position in the NSL.

Musemwa believes the bankers would have performed much better with a fully staffed technical team.

“We are looking forward to finishing the season in a higher position and I am glad we have maintained our good start to the season.

“However, as talented as we are, not having a coach has affected us, we have been found wanting on tactics at times and that has cost us dearly.

“On the flip side, not having a coach motivates us to prove our critics wrong, but if the truth is to be told we would rather have a coach,” she said.

Musemwa is featuring in her fourth Super League season after debuting as an 18-year old high school girl and reckons her game is getting better with age.

“I have matured and have realised that it is helpful to meditate on your game when you are off the court.

“The Super League experience has immensely helped me especially when playing college games where I have made a name for myself . . . I am shooting with consistence’’, said the University of Zimbabwe student.

The towering shooter has also developed into a utility player occasionally being used as a goal defender; a role she says is helping her with agility and timing.

She has also established herself as one of the best scorers this season, but admits it hasn’t been all smooth flowing.

“Defending champions ZDF Queens are tough opponents who can dismiss any team when they are at their best.

“Generally the Super League game is physical and you have to be strong, the college league has incentives and more exposure, but it is not as tough as the Super League.”

Excellence in the game could benefit the General Bachelor of Arts degree student who is looking at pursuing “a special Honours degree in Economic History, which will be under the Dean’s funding.’’

Musemwa has also been drafted into the national team that is set to tour Zambia this month and the former Mt Saint Mary’s pupil says she is ready to play at the highest level. Musemwa insists that balancing studies and sport is not a challenge if one manages time well.