Andrew
Veronica Gwaze
THE Zimbabwe senior netball team will be eyeing yet another podium finish when they take part in the African Championships slated for November 9-16 in Namibia, coach Lloyd Makunde has said.
Makunde was speaking after the Gems finished third at the just ended Debmarine Pent Series also in Namibia.
The gaffer roped in some fresh blood for both tournaments following the departure of some of his senior players who retired after the 2019 Vitality World Netball Cup in Liverpool, and is pretty chuffed by what he sees so far.
“I am happy,” said Makunde.
“The Pent Series was not that bad for us.
“We brought in a handful of young debutants, and had to work on them .
“The first thing was to work on their confidence, and then their mental strength.
“The Pent Series provided just the platform we needed”.
Entrusted with spots in the starting seven in some of the crucial games, Nobukhosi Ndlovu, who donned the Centre bib, Goal Shooter Lynette Tanhira and Priscilla Ndlovu, all made lasting impressions.
The Pent Series was also important for world rankings, as they needed to pick some points to improve on their position on the INF standings.
And Makunde feels he is in the right direction.
“Rebuilding is a process and it is not easy at all,” he said.
“It needs time . . . if the Pent series is anything to go by, we are in the right direction.
“You look at the new 21-year-old Centre, she was playing and combining well with everyone just like a seasoned player would do.
“Priscilla was also gelling well with Captain Felisitus Kwangwa and Tafadzwa Matura, the Attacker.
“Lynette Tanhira was unstoppable in some of the games, and she has the height we need.
“Generally, things are coming up the way we want them.
“However, this is a gradual process and we need to always revert to the drawing board, as we still have a long way to go.”
The team will bank on the young players to deliver the goods at the continental contest.
“It is going to be a tough tournament because African Champions, South Africa, will be there this time around.
“We are, however, ready for the challenge, and another podium finish is what we
want.
“We are learning from our mistakes, and hope to make more use of our young and experienced players who have the energy and zeal to go forward,” said the coach.
Online Reporter