Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Netball Association’s rebuilding efforts are finally bearing fruit after the Gems dismissed visitors Malawi 50-47 to cap a remarkable three-day Test Series at Sunrise Sports Club.
Overall, the Gems won two out of the three games they played at the international friendlies. Under the tutelage of Ropafadzo Mutsauki and Pepetua Siyachitema, they lost 40-54 in their opening match, having fielded a development side, the Zambezi Eagles.
This was before bringing in the senior side on day two, registering a massive 58-47 victory before another win yesterday.
Mutsauki heaped praises on his charges, citing that overpowering a high-ranked Malawi is a giant positive step in their rebuilding exercise.
“It was a great outing for us, a win against Malawi a regional powerhouse can never be viewed as ordinary,” he said.
“For years we have been rebuilding, but we barely beat Malawi and when we eventually do like this, it means that finally we struck the right codes.” Malawi are currently eighth in the World Netball Rankings while the Gems are in position 13.
After overpowering Malawi at the African Championships in Namibia last year, for the first time in close to a decade, many concluded that the Gems perhaps won by luck.
Since then, said the coach, the Gems were eager to get a chance to once again stamp authority and make a bold statement.
