Gems coach impressed by players ahead Netball World Cup

Innocent Kurira

GEMS coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki says he is overly impressed with the attitude shown by her players in the first week of training in preparation for the Vitality Netball World Cup in South Africa next month.

The senior national netball team got into camp last Monday. Mutsauki is happy with what he has seen in camp.

“The level of competition is high which is what any coach would expect. The ladies are showing great zeal and as a coach I can only be impressed. The team is shaping up positively. Looking at the fitness levels of our players, they are looking fit,” said Mutsauki.

The Vitality Netball World Cup is scheduled for Cape town, South Africa, from July 28 to August 6.

This will be the Gems’ second successive appearance at the global netball finals following their participation at the last edition held in Liverpool, UK, in 2019.

Zimbabwe finished a commendable eighth on their maiden appearance behind Uganda (7), Malawi (6) and South Africa (4) as Africa gave a good account of themselves.

New Zealand won the World Cup, while Australia and England finished second and third, respectively.

The Gems, in April, welcomed on board leading financial institution Nedbank Zimbabwe and unveiled a $US50 000 sponsorship deal for the forthcoming World Cup.

After finishing eighth in their maiden World Cup appearance in Liverpool in 2019, the Gems are now targeting a top-four finish, a feat which requires them to push their limits.

Zimbabwe was drawn in Pool A with Australia, Fiji and Tonga.

Other teams at the World Cup are Australia, Barbados, England, Jamaica, Malawi, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda and Wales.

The Gems were last in action in November last year when they finished winless at the SPAR Diamond Challenge played at the Tuks Sports Centre in Pretoria.

Gems Provisional World Cup Squad:

Claris Kwaramba (Platinum Queens), Elizabeth Mushore (Platinum Queens), Priscilla Ndlovu (Platinum Queens), Progress Moyo (Platinum Queens), Paidamoyo Tinoza (Glow Queens), Tanaka Makusha (Glow Queens), Ursla Ndlovu (Glow Queens), Beaula Hlungwani (Glow Queens), Tafadzwa Mawango (Correctional Queens), Nicole Muzanenhamo (Green Fuel), Thandekile Mahlangu (Green Fuel), Thandazile Ndlovu (Green Fuel), Tafadzwa Matura (ZDF Queens), Sharon Bwanali (ZDF Queens), Patricia Mauladi (ZDF Queens), Lorraine Manjoro (Khami Queens), Lesibane Munjanji Karaso (Harare City Queens), Takadanaishe Zimusi (Harare City Queens), Joice Takaidza, Makunde Nalani, Felistus Kwangwa — @innocentskizoe