Gems want tough friendlies

Curtworth Masango

GEMS assistant coach Tatenda Shinya, wants them to play friendlies, with higher-ranked nations, to prepare for the 2023 Netball World Cup.

Shinya was part of the Gems’ technical team, which led the side to a third-place finish, at the World Cup regional qualifications in Pretoria, South Africa.

They won a ticket to next year’s World Cup.

“It’s good to play with higher-ranked sides than us, as it will help us learn the hard way, rather than playing friendlies with teams we can easily beat.

“We need to play such games, and that way we will match Malawi, South Africa and Uganda,” said Shinya.

Added the coach:

“We don’t work with history that someone used to play well.

“If you were selected before, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have an automatic place in the team.

“We have more than nine million women in Zimbabwe and we have to select 15 ladies in the country, and it’s very tough.

“We are happy the girls we selected didn’t disappoint us.

“Actually, we didn’t miss anyone.

“We are also going to introduce some new girls into the team, youngsters from the Under-19 so that they gain exposure and experience in preparation for the World Cup and beyond.”