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Ralston Muchoko
THE Zimbabwe women’s sevens team have stepped up their preparations for next month’s Africa Cup as they follow a ten week intensive training programme drafted by head coach Abigail Gondo.
The tournament will run from May 26-27 in Botswana and Gondo has set her sights on putting up a much improved showing after the Lady Cheetah’s disastrous outing in Tunisia the last time out.
“You have no choice about how you lose, but you do have a choice about how you come back and prepare to win again,” said Gondo.
“After performing poorly, last year, we felt there was need for us to start our preparations for the African Cup early.
“We intend to introduce some young enthusiastic players into the team hence there is need to give them some time to gel.”
Gondo revealed that after falling from third position to seventh position on the continental rankings the team has set its sights on powering their way back into the top five.
A total of 48 players are in camp, in Harare and Bulawayo, and Gondo will trim the training squad after a couple of friendly matches.
“As part of giving some of our younger talent exposure we wish to play at least two international friendlies before the tournament.
Last year we sent the team into battle without adequate preparations and the results where there for all to see,” said the Lady Cheetahs coach.
“Our aim is to keep all the players active and have at least two squads that can compete at any given time.
A larger selection base can only be good for the team.
“With a little more strength, power, bravery and mobility; we expect the team to perform better in Botswana next month.
We owe the nation a much improved performance”
Online Reporter