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Veronica Gwaze Sports Reporter
Zimbabwe senior netball team may have been dealt a heavy blow with the absence of key Goal Shooter Nalani Makunde ahead of the Africa Netball Cup.
However, head coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki remains unfazed.
The 24-year-old Makunde, who made her Gems debut at the 2023 Netball World Cup, left lasting impressions as the perfect fit for the team’s perennial shooting headache.
Proving to be a vital cog in the Gems fold as they fought for position 13 of the 16-teams-tournament, the nation had ordinarily pinned their hopes on Makunde.
The calm, lanky shooter, who also boasts of spectacular shots, was born and raised in Australia to Zimbabwean parents.
Avid netball followers were in fact surprised when she was named in the Gems World Cup squad as she was virtually unknown, and her presence was initially greeted with skepticism.
With a point to prove, her performance on the grand stage underlined exactly why Mutsauki and his technical department had called the player, yet she had not even trained with the squad for the World Cup.
Her series of good showings however, turned some critics into praise-singers.
Makunde plays for Capital Darters based in Canberra and also represents Brisbane South Wildcats in the Hart Sapphire Series in Queensland.
And at the Africa Netball Cup, scheduled for Botswana, she would have been expected to assist the Gems redeem themselves following a hot-cold World Cup performance.
The 13th edition of the regional tourney is scheduled for University of Botswana between November 26 and December 6.
For the first time, it will run simultaneously with the Men’s Africa Netball Cup.
Having retained the squad that did duty at the World Cup, fusing with youngsters who graduated from the Young Gems, Mutsauki is confident that his team will deliver.
“The young girls bring in a fresh flair to the game, the much needed speed, agility and competition in camp,” he said.
“What we are loving most is their hunger to fight for a spot in the final team, it keeps the senior players on toes.”
Mutsauki notes that he has the much needed depth that is expected to earn the Gems silverware. Greenhorns Taslimah Mdimba,Thandazile Ndlovu, Kelly Muyambo, Lesibane Munjanji, Chipo Shoko and Moreblessing Mubhishi will be expected to bring their A-game.
Poster girl Nicole Muzanenamo who put up a spectacular performance at the World Cup, Elizabeth Mushore and Takadanaishe Assah Zimusi will also bring in the youthful experience to the game.
“The good thing is that some of the players made debut at the World Cup, which is the biggest stage in sport,” said Mutsauki.
“Approaching the Championships, we expect to see them use that experience.
“As we are building something for the future, we need to start seeing the results now so the regional tournament is the foundation.
“So far everything is going according to plan, all players have been active at their clubs so physically they are fine.
“Now we are working on endurance, combination building and other aspects of the game . . . .”
Online Reporter