Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’s Gems are hoping for a rare dominance over netball powerhouse Uganda when they host the East African giants at the Celtic Cup in Glasgow, Scottland this afternoon.
Uganda are ranked second in Africa, behind high-riding South Africa.
The Gems have been steady in the region where they occupy fourth place while Malawi are in third position.
Zimbabwe sit 13th on the world rankings, six places behind the Ugandans, who are seventh.
Uganda have stamped their authority in the Celtic Cup registering statement wins in all their fixtures so far.
On their part the Gems have blown hot and cold.
Zimbabwe overcame Northern Ireland 57-40 before falling 42-56 to Wales.
This means Ropafadzo Mutsauki’s charges need to upstage the Ugandans to get their second win in the tourney.
Against Wales, the Gems struggled in a tight opening quarter getting to the first break holding a narrow 10-9 lead.
The Welsh machine clicked into gear in the second quarter with the ball flowing freely through the trusted combination of Bethan Dyke, Phillipa Yarranton and Georgia Rowe.
By the half-time break, the Gems trailed 27-19 via a 17-10 second quarter result.
With pressure mounting, the Gems’ attack drove into the defensive end too deeply, failing to transition in time for a reset.
Despite introducing changes, the reserve wing attackers inherited the same style signalling a slowness in the Zimbabwean type of play.
While the Gems were taking many resets, they could not gain depth in attack.
This is despite the trio of Sharon Bwanali, Nicole Muzanenhamo and Ursula Ndlovu enjoying their game.
Fatigue also appeared to creep in and possession was unnecessarily lost a lot of ball in the process, giving the opposition time to regroup and attack.
Mutsauki conceded defeat in their last outing but believes they have managed to work on their shortcomings ahead of today’s game.
“It was a tough game, but one which I believe was a true test of what exactly we can do and what needs to be done,” said Mutsauki.
“We identified areas that we were found lacking, so we just need to keep hammering on those areas when we face Uganda.”
The last time that Gems faced Uganda was in December 2024 at the Africa Cup in Namibia.
It was also the first time that Zimbabwe outclassed their fancied East African opponents.
Now the Gems will be hoping to replicate that form.
Mutsauki, whose side is taking the game seriously, said they will do their best and make sure that they come out with a positive result.
“I think that win in Namibia will play a crucial role on how things may come out today.
“That win inspired confidence in our players and after so many years of trying we realised that we can do it. This is the spirit that we need today.
“I am confident that the girls can do it, it is one of those self-motivating games and I can see that mentally they are ready for the game.
“However, we will not be complacent or get carried away by history. We just need to go out there and give it our all. Another win over Uganda will mean a lot to us,’’ Mustauki said.
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