Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S senior netball side steps onto court this afternoon with a clear mission. The Gems want to stretch their early grip on the Celtic Cup in Glasgow and settle an old score with Namibia.
Their strong 57–40 win over Northern Ireland set the tone yesterday, and Sharon Bwanali’s “Player of the Match” nod underlined just how sharp the team looked in their opener.
Head coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki knows today’s fixture carries more than bragging rights. Zimbabwe sit 13th in the world with 89 points, and Namibia trail close behind in 15th place with 78. A slip would cost the Gems valuable ground in the rankings, something Mutsauki refuses to entertain.
“These are ranking games and you can not lose to a less ranked side so we should go all out to collect points,” he said. “We had a good outing in the first game, we want to maintain that momentum because our aim is to contend for the title.”
For years the Gems held the upper hand over Namibia, until last December when they let a tight 42–41 match slip at the Africa Nations Cup in Swakopmund. That loss still stings, and it adds weight to today’s contest. Mutsauki expects his team to stay switched on from start to finish and avoid the lapses that cost them then.
Defenders Kelly Muyambo, Tanaka Makusha and Nikkie Mundeya will rotate in the circle as they attempt to shut down Namibia’s shooters. In the middle, captain Claris Kwaramba works with Assah Zimusi, Thandekile Mahlangu and Anifa Luya to control possession and serve steady supply to the front.
The shooting group brings both experience and firepower. Australia based Nalani Makunde returns with the confidence of her international exposure, and she looked sharp the last time she linked up with the always reliable Nicole Muzanenhamo. Mutsauki hopes the pair can pick up where they left off and carry the scoring load.
He also has options in experienced shooters Ursula Ndlovu and Bwanali, while young Thandazile Ndlovu offers valuable height for tougher matchups.
Mutsauki believes the showdown will reveal the team’s discipline and temperament.
“We must be psychologically and tactically disciplined in applying the right strategies in our game because Namibia have notes on us,” he said. “After beating us in their backyard last year, it shows that they had done their homework well.”
He stressed the need for players to follow instruction and apply themselves in crucial moments. “Currently I want to believe that all our players are in a good state mentally; it is very important in games of this magnitude.”
The coach also praised Muzanenhamo for joining the team despite the recent death of her father.
“It takes a lot for one to sacrifice to come and play at a time when her family is home grieving,” he said.
“Ordinarily, she would have been expected to take time off but when she proposed to come, we felt that maybe playing netball is her way of grieving so we will not hinder her. In that same vein, we will also not push her, when she needs space, we will be there to do that, we will be with her through the process.”
Mathew Masinge