Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE will be out to extend their dominance at the ongoing Celtic Netball Cup in Glasgow, Scotland, when they face Namibia this afternoon.
The Gems overpowered Northern Ireland 57-40 in a thrilling opening clash with shooter Sharon Bwanali walking away with a “Player of the Match” award for her match winning performance. Gems coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki will have to plot a way past Namibia to avert dropping points for the World Netball Rankings.
Currently the Gems are ranked 13th globally with 89 points to their name while Namibia sit on position 15 with 78.
Historically, the Gems have perennially overpowered Namibia until last year in December, when they suffered a heartbreaking 42-41 defeat to opponent at the Africa Nations Cup in Swakopmund.
This afternoon, Mutsauki will have to tread carefully and ensure a win.
“These are ranking games and you cannot lose to a lower-ranked side, so we should go all out to collect points,” he said.
“We had a good outing in our first game we want to maintain that momentum because our aim is to contend for the title.”
Defenders Kelly Muyambo, Tanaka Makusha and Nikkie Mundeya will be taking turns to stop Namibia in their shooting third.
In the mid court, captain Claris Kwaramba, Assah Zimusi, Thandekile Mahlangu and Anifa Luya are expected to give enough supply to the Gems’ shooters.
The shooting ring is composed of Australia-based Nalani Makunde, who boasts of the much-needed international exposure.
Makunde left a lasting impression the last time she donned the Gems colours for her blistering combination with an evergreen Nicole Muzanenhamo.
Mutsauki will be banking on the duo to rediscover their combination and net the much-needed goals for the Gems.
Experienced shooters Ursula Ndlovu and Sharon Bwanali are also an option that Mutsauki can explore, while young Thandazile Ndlovu is another alternative whenever the gaffer needs height.
The coach notes that the Namibia match will be a big character test for the Gems.
“We must be psychologically and tactically disciplined in applying the right strategies in our game because Namibia have notes on us,” said Mutsauki.
“After beating us in their backyard last year, it shows that they had done their homework well.
“So, we have to up our game, which means that our players must be able to stick to instruction and apply themselves correctly, which is part of what we have been working on in camp.
“Currently I want to believe that all our players are in a good state mentally; it is very important in games of this magnitude.”
Mutsauki paid tribute to Muzanenhamo for sacrificing to be part of the team, just a few days after the loss of her father.
dyton mupawaenda