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Tadious Manyepo
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE national senior netball side, the Gems will face one of the game’s best teams in the world England in a friendly duel at the conclusion of their tour of the UK next month.
The Ropafadzo Mutsauki girls are set for the Celtic Cup International Series scheduled for Scotland and Wales from 1-10 November.
The tour is divided into two segments starting with a tri-nations world ranking contest running in Glasgow and Cardiff from November 1-6.
Zimbabwe, Scotland, and Wales will battle it out in this meet while the second instalment of the competition will see the Gems, Welsh Feathers, Scottish Thistles, and Northern Ireland Warriors battling for the Celtic Cup in Glasgow from November 7-10.
This will be Zimbabwe’s first international tournament outside Africa, aside from the World Cup.
And more excitement has been added to their tour with the Vitality Roses now set to face the Gems in a friendly set for Manchester, England just two days after the conclusion of the Celtic Cup.
England are ranked the second-best team in the world and their commitment to playing the Gems is testimony to how much they rate Zimbabwe who are ranked 11 places behind them.
The Vitality Roses finished second at the 2023 World Cup held in Cape Town, South Africa after losing to Australia in the final.
Zimbabwe Netball Association president Leticia Chipandu yesterday said the Gems were set to play about 11 matches during their tour, including the friendly against England.
“We are excited about this opportunity, and so are our girls,” said Chipandu.
“We will play about 11 games as we will also face England as part of the tour.”
She said the Gems have signed their contracts and were set to get handsome rewards for their participation.
“The girls have signed contracts, and they are all excited and raring to go.
“Let me also take this opportunity to comment on them for their patriotism and focus.
“There has not been even a single attempt by them to down tools even when the chips were down and that shows we have a determined group which puts their country ahead of personal issues.
“So, I am glad to tell you that all is well in terms of their welfare and we are ready to go to the UK.”
The Zimbabwe Netball Association yesterday unveiled the 15 players to take part in the UK tour.
They are led by captain Felistas Kwangwa and many other veterans including Ursula Ndlovu, Blessing Kahari, Sharon Bwanali and Takadanaishe Assah Zimusi.
Gems squad:
Takadanaishe Assah Zimusi, Blessing Kahari, Elizabeth Mushore, Upenyu Muyambo, Thandiwe Mashore, Felisitus Kwangwa, Faith Mutero, Nobukhosi Ndlovu, Anifa Luya, Ursla Ndlovu, Nicole Muzanenhamo, Tafadzwa Mawango, Chipo Shoko, Sharon Bwanali, Thandazile Ndlovu
Online Reporter