Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga in SUN CITY, South Africa
ZIMBABWE Select side assistant coach Stembile Banda believes they are in the right direction in laying the foundation for a broader player base for the senior national netball team.
Banda made the remarks as the select side, known as the Zambezi Eagles, posted some interesting results at the ongoing Telkom Netball League Power Week One, where they are guest participants.
Their participation is part of the Zimbabwe Netball Association’s grand plan to prepare for the 2027 World Cup campaign.
And it has been a bag of mixed fortunes for Banda’s side, who got the participation off on a losing note, suffering two consecutive defeats last weekend.
They, however, soon found their footing on the court when they beat Limpopo Baobabs 56-48.
The Zambezi Eagles followed up with a close 49-47 victory over Eastern Cape Aloes in a tightly contested match on Wednesday morning before a 52-61 defeat to Spar Baby Proteas pegged them back.
“We are meeting players of different calibre, of different heights, of different abilities as the games come.
“For example, the players here, their attack, their transition, is very quick,” Banda said.
“So, in terms of defence, we have to stay focused and concentrate. I would love to say these wins that have been coming show that we are improving.
“Remember, winning for us is not just winning the goals. We win when our players actually work on improving individual skills, improving valuable skills.
“That’s what we are looking at. Are we improving in coaching? Are we improving our set plays, our attacking play, and our defensive play? That’s what, to us, is winning that will be coming our way,” Banda said.
Wednesday’s games also saw Thandazile Ndhlovu appearing on the court for the first time since the team arrived in South Africa.
“She was nursing an injury picked just before departure for the games, and the game against Eastern Cape Aloes at the Sun City Superbowl was what she needed to make her entry’’.
And the 21-year-old goal shooter did not disappoint when she took over from captain Sharon Bwanali in the first quarter when the Zambezi Eagles were trailing the Aloes.
She went on to be named Player of the Match.
“I am so happy about winning Player of the Match.
“The first two games we lost, and I was in the terraces because of an injury.
“I really wanted to do well.”
“I think we are making progress as a team because we lost the first two games and now, we have won.” I think we have now adapted to the competition, and we are learning,” said Ndhlovu.
Lesibane Munjanji-Karaso also won Player of the Match with an outstanding show on Monday against Limpopo Baobabs.
Banda said while they still need to work on some aspects of their game, including consistency, the players are making some positive strides.
“Every individual that’s getting on the court out there, remember I said it’s a big platform, it’s a platform to shine, it’s a platform to showcase their talent.
“The girls are learning, we are learning. At the end of the day, at the end of the competition and for the games to come, we are building a well-coordinated team,” added Banda.
“A team that is well-improved physically, tactically, emotionally. Everything is just improving.
“It means that we are going somewhere, we are heading in the right direction.”
Meanwhile, the Eagles continued to meet with mixed fortunes at the tourney as they lost 49-56 to Jaguars at Sun Park yesterday morning before defeating Southern Stings later in the day.
They upscaled their game to snatch a 61-57 win in the final minutes of the game at the Sun City Super Bowl.
After giving up an early lead in the first quarter and spending most of the time on the court trailing the Stings, the Eagles had to dig deep to stage a last-ditch comeback.
Nicole Muzanenamo, who switched from wing attack to goal attack several times as the side chased a win, was voted Player of the Match.
Muzanenhamo, vice-captain in the match, also showed her leadership qualities.
“I had to do it for my team. As their vice-captain, I had to lead by example. I did exactly that, and the team did very well, we fought until the last minute.
“They did a very good job,” said Muzanenamo. Upenyu Muyambo, made a huge difference for the team with brilliant moments in defence while Muzanenamo partner, Thandazile Ndhlovu, made sure they utilised the turnovers.
With their last game against Crinums scheduled for Sunday, they take a break today and tomorrow.
