Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Gems lit up the African Netball Championships in Malawi yesterday with a commanding 53-44 triumph over old rivals Kenya, a victory that sealed their passage into the semi-finals and sent a clear message: they are here to contend.
The win confirmed the Gems’ second-place finish in Group B and set up a heavyweight semi-final clash against South Africa this afternoon after the neighbours topped Group A.
Uganda, the Group A favourites, will face hosts Malawi in the other semi-final, with the winners advancing to the final while the losers contest the third and fourth place play-off.
“Now this is going to be a real test, we need to play our cards right because South Africa are ranked top in Africa while we are fourth which means that we are in for a real fight. We will not look into all that, our eyes are on the gold prize so we will give them our all and the best will win,” said Gems assistant coach Pepetua Siyachitema.
The much-anticipated clash between two familiar opponents began cautiously, with both teams feeling each other out and trading early points in a tense opening spell.
Zimbabwe soon settled, lifting the tempo and asserting control as their ability to adjust on the fly began to tell. The Gems leaned heavily on the lively partnership of youngsters Thandazile Ndlovu and Nicole Muzanenhamo, whose movement and timing cut through the Kenyan defence with ease.
Once they found their rhythm, Zimbabwe rarely lost a centre pass in the opening half. Sharp execution and clear tactical discipline saw the Ropafadzo Mutsauki-coached side pull away, heading into the break with a commanding 31-23 lead.
The third quarter turned into a tug of war, with both teams battling fiercely for midcourt supremacy. Kenya pressed harder, forcing a series of unforced errors as they tried to close the gap on the scoreboard. Zimbabwe absorbed the pressure and regained control, with possession becoming the decisive factor as neither side was willing to back down.
The Gems raised their level again, forcing turnovers in the midcourt and feeding Ndlovu and Muzanenhamo, who made full use of their chances. As the clock ticked down, Zimbabwe’s control became clearer, closing out the contest at 53-44 and underlining their growing status as serious contenders.
Siyachitema was full of praise afterwards. She highlighted her team’s mental strength, particularly after bouncing back from their defeat to Uganda earlier in the tournament.
“This was a tightly contested game for the greater part, the score is not a reflection of the actual game itself. Kenya came out guns blazing, with a lot of talent that really tested our character and challenged us today (yesterday) but I am happy with how our players stood up and aced the big moments.
“After losing to Uganda in our second game of the tournament, we thought it would be difficult mentally to creep back, but with enough rest we were a new team altogether and the girls managed to play according to instruction. We relied on the youngsters because we are building for the future, our aim is the 2027 World Cup and for the youngsters to show such character, it means our future is bright,” she said.
Ndlovu was named Player of the Match after a performance defined by sharp shooting, relentless work rate and physical presence. The Correctional Queens shooter credited her teammates for ensuring the shooters were constantly supplied.
“I appreciate that this is an individual accolade but I give special thanks to the team because it is them who made this possible…without their supply, I would not be able to net those shots. This win takes us to the semi-finals, it will not be an easy game so there is no time to celebrate, we are putting this behind and focus is already on what we need to work on coming into the next game,” she said.
