NEW: Gems finally win

Veronica Gwaze in CAPE TOWN, South Africa

Zimbabwe’s senior netball team – the Gems – finally picked their first win at the ongoing 2023 Netball World Cup tournament here on Tuesday when they thrashed Sri Lanka 71-36.

The win comes after three consecutive defeats in their opening fixtures.

However, the defeats mean the Gems have failed to make it into the second round of the prestigious competition.

The Ropafadzo Mutsauki-led side, who were eyeing a top-four finish, are now playing placement matches for positions 13-16.

Mutsauki and his technical team had to trust youngsters with the task against the Asians.

And their selection may have struck the right cord.

The duo of Nalani Makunde and Nicole Muzanenhamo were placed in the shooting ring, while utility players Claris Kwaramba and Progress Moyo took charge of the wing attack and centre bibs, respectively.

The Gems were unstoppable, as they dominated from the beginning.

By half-time they were leading 33-22.

The youngest player in the team, 21-year-old Nicole Muzanenhamo, who was also crowned player of the match, gave the fans some moments to relish.

Although the budding star has featured in all of the Gems’ matches so far, it was the coaches’ decision to play her in a “new” position that was controversial.

Naturally a goal attacker, the 2021 and 2022 Premier Netball League player of the year had been playing centre since the start of the tournament.

When she reverted to the goal attacking position in the past two matches, the agile star – who boasts of spectacular movement, shots and splits – breathed life into the game.

It is also her combination with Makunde and Moyo that gave fans something to cheer about.

“After a series of defeats, you get to a point where you sit down and reflect on what you need to do as an individual,” she said.

“I had to remind myself that I had to face a new day with renewed energy and optimism.”