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Ellina Mhlanga-Senior Sports Reporter
THE senior national netball team finally got down to business this week as they regrouped for their final camp at Girls High School in Harare, in preparation for the Vitality Netball World Cup.
The World Cup will be staged in Cape Town, South Africa from July 28 to August 6.
The Gems’ camp is scheduled to run until their departure mid- July.
The technical team named a 21-member squad including three foreign-based players, who are set to join the camp early July.
For now, they will be working with the locally-based players.
Gems coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki said they are continuing from where they left from the previous camp.
They have roped in Ursula Ndlovu, who missed the last camp.
“This is our last camp where we expect everyone we want to be in camp so that we work more on the combinations. We are no longer focusing on fitness levels because almost everyone was participating; they have been active.
“So we are looking at experience, the combinations which are already there and we are just trying to renew and strengthen the combinations.
“Then we have some players who have just returned to the squad. We don’t really have new players . . . Ursula Ndlovu had an operation, so we wanted her to heal and she has recovered. So she is back as well,” said Mutsauki.
Out of the 18 local players, 16 are already in camp and the other two — Claris Kwaramba and Priscilla Ndlovu — are expected to join in soon.
Gems captain Felisitus Kwangwa, who is based in the UK, Joice Takaidza and Nalani Makunde, who are both based in Australia are expected to join camp early July.
The Gems were expected to resume their preparations last month but there were delays due to financial challenges.
“What is important is to utilise the time we have to achieve what we want. So it’s no longer about physical fitness but we need to work more on ball work and game situations, so that we have a formidable team.
“That’s our main focus now, so that we create combinations and ensure the team gels during this short period. We don’t have much time left but if we can utilise the time, I think that we can come up with the intended outcome.
“We know that we may not get a friendly match before we leave, looking at the time left. So what’s important is to engage the men’s national team because they play a physical game, speed game. So it can help us in terms of adjusting when we play a physical team or a team with speed because the men’s team can provide us with both aspects.
“What is important also is to motivate the team. If we can motivate the team, I think they will have the confidence and if they get that confidence, anything can happen. We just need to be positive mentally,” Mutsauki said.
Zimbabwe, is however, expected to play England, Barbados, Scotland and Wales in Cape Town, just before the tournament takes off.
“Those are better-ranked teams, so those games are very important for us. If we can play those games, whether we win or lose, we will learn a lot from those friendlies,” Mutsauki said.
Stand-in captain Progress Moyo underscored the importance of team work.
“It’s our second day training today (yesterday), all is going well and I think this time the morale is good.
“And we don’t have to work as individuals now . . . it’s not time for individuality, we have to work as a team.
“We have to push the next person and we should also as players be able to learn from each other’s strengths so that at the end we are at the same level or almost at the same level as a team.
“So I think we should keep pushing each other besides the coaches and the technical team,” said Moyo.
Gems Squad:
Claris Kwaramba, Elizabeth Mushore, Priscilla Ndlovu, Progress Moyo, Paidamoyo Tinoza, Tanaka Makusha, Ursula Ndlovu, Beaula Hlungwani, Tafadzwa Mawango, Nicole Muzanenamo, Thandekile Mahlangu, Thandazile Ndlovu, Tafadzwa Matura, Sharon Bwanali, Patricia Mauladi, Lorraine Manjoro, Lesibane Munjanji Karaso, Takadanaishe Zimusi, Felisitus Kwangwa, Joice Takaidza, Nalani Makunde.
Online Reporter