Gems coach defends selection

Darlington Gatsi

ZIMBABWE Netball team coach, Ropafadzo Mutsauki, has defended the recently-released squad saying he is convinced by the players’ abilities as they notch up preparations for the 2023 Netball World Qualifiers.

Zimbabwe released a 12-women team that will travel to Malawi for the triangular series, from June 12 to June 16, where they will play the hosts and Namibia.

The Gems are using the tour as part of their preparations for the Netball World Cup Qualifiers, which will be staged in South Africa in August.

Mutsauki said he has not shut the door on players, who are missing the Malawi series.

“We are focusing on building a winning team and that is what we were focusing on when we came up with that team.

“I am confident with the team I have selected that it can win but there is still room for other players to come on board.

“There is nothing amiss over the missing out of Sharon and Tanhira.

“It has actually made other players to be afforded an opportunity to prove themselves. Sharon is currently injured,” said Mutsauki.

The Gems went through a grueling two-week selection process with players drawn from Premier Netball League and Rainbow Amateur Netball League raising hands for selection.

Claris Kwaramba and Ursula Ndlovu are some of the familiar suspects picked up for international duty.

Mutsauki also weighed in on the furore related to the absence of Pauline Jani saying the ball was in her court if she fancies a return to the team.

Jani, who announced her retirement from the national team soon after the 2019 World Cup, has on numerous times hinted on a possible return to the fold.

“I cannot say much on Pauline Jani. As far as I know is she retired from the game.

“I can not call her to come out of retirement. We give players that are willing to play a chance.

“I treat all the players the same and I do not treat one player as a special player. The team is there and everyone will get an opportunity,” he said.

GEMS SQUAD

Claris Kwaramba

Priscilla Ndlovu

Nicole Muzanenamo

Tafadzwa Matura

Chipo Shoko

Cynthia Gamuchirai

Ursula Ndlovu

Paidamoyo Tinoza

Progress Moyo

Sharleen Makusha

Tafadzwa Mawango