Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE senior netball team, the Gems, will have to wait longer to welcome shooter Nalani Makunde with the association’s financial constraints standing in the way.
Makunde plays for Canberra-based Capital Darters in the Australian Netball Championship.She also represents Brisbane South Wildcats in the Hart Sapphire Series in Queensland.
Born in Australia to Zimbabwean parents, the lanky shooter made her debut for the Gems in 2023 at the Netball World Cup in South Africa. Since leaving a lasting impression in Zimbabwean colours at the global showcase, Makunde has not featured for the team. And her recent inclusion in the team to do duty at the Tri-Nations friendlies sparked excitement amongst fans.
The Gems are set to host Malawi and Botswana between October 23, 24 and 25 in the capital. Currently they are camped at Queen Elizabeth High School.
Junior Zambezi Eagles and the male senior men, Flying Eagles, will also take part in the international friendly games.
“Makunde is an important player on our team, she brings a different dimension in the shooting ring so it was our wish to have her in camp,” said ZINA Technical Director John Banda. However, due to the financial limitations on the part of the mother body, Makunde will have to join the team next month at the Celtic Cup. ZINA intends to use these international friendlies to prepare for the invitational cup tournament. Scheduled for November 26 to 30 at Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, the Gems will battle it out against the host nation, Wales, Northern Ireland, Uganda and Namibia. The games will also have a bearing on the teams’ World Netball rankings.
Banda said Makunde will be expected to play a key role in Gems’ quest to improve their world rankings.Currently Zimbabwe rank 13th globally.
For Ropafadzo Mutsauki and his charges to maintain their position on the WN rankings, they need to avoid defeat, especially against teams ranked below them.
“These games are very important for us because they have an influence on world rankings,” said Banda.
“It is important for us to bring our best team hence we need Makunde for the exposure and height within the shooting third.
“However, we have financial limitations so maybe we will have to meet up with her in Scotland although we really wanted her to be in this camp with others.”
For some time, the Gems have been struggling to get the perfect fit for their Goal Shooter position. Following the death of Pauline Jani and retirement of Joice Takaidza, a yawning gap has been a visible gap with a number of shooters getting the chance but falling short.
Currently ZDF’s Sharon Bwanali and Thandazile Ndlovu from Correctional Queens have been alternating in the GS bib.
However, while both have their shortcomings, the availability of Makunde will be a huge boost. “Ndlovu is still young hence we need to be patient with her as she rises…Bwanali brings the experience on the team,” said Banda.
“Makunde will be a huge boost because she has all the exposure and also carries the height that we need especially on such a stage.
“Last year she was supposed to join us in Scotland but again financial challenges became an impediment but I am sure this time we will be with her.” Banda said after the Celtic Cup, the Gems will head to Malawi for the African Championships. Makunde will be part of the team as the Zimbabweans aim for a third successive Netball World Cup qualification.
“When she came in 2023, she did not have a challenge settling well in camp and adjusting to our system of play,” added Banda.
“We now have an idea of what she can do on the court but we did not really want to rely on history hence we are trying as much as we can to have her join the team.
“Currently we are doing everything possible to ensure she joins us and funds permitting she will be with us sooner than Scottland.”
Banda said he is charmed with the teams’ preparedness and the progress he is seeing on a technical point of view.
