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Ellina Mhlanga
Senior Sports Reporter
AS Zimbabwe’s senior netball team returns for another dance at the global stage, goal shooter Joice Takaidza is oozing with confidence ahead of the Netball World Cup.
The Nedbank-sponsored Gems are in Cape Town, South Africa for the event that is scheduled to take off on Friday. It runs until August 6 with 16 teams competing for honours.
Takaidza left a mark at the 2019 World Cup in Liverpool, England, when Zimbabwe made their maiden appearance.
She was voted player of the match as Zimbabwe won their historic Netball World Cup opener against Sri Lanka 79-49 at the 2019 edition.
Takaidza converted 59 out of the 62 shots attempted in that game.
“The best for me in that game was just winning it and being the best player of the game. You know you can’t be a best player by yourself, it takes a team to be a best player.
“So, the best memories are just how committed we were and how we were so united as a team and it works very well for us and for the team.”
The Australia-based shooter was among the top 10 shooters at the end of the competition. She was placed ninth with 198 goals.
With just a few days before the World Cup roars into life, Takaidza is looking forward to the challenge and is confident of another impressive performance.
“For me I am looking forward to doing wonders more than before, you know wine tests better with age. So I am looking forward to it.”
It’s a blended team as the Gems make their second successive appearance at the World Cup with seasoned players like Takaidza, captain Felisitus Kwangwa, vice-captain Claris Kwaramba, shooter Sharon Bwanali and goal keeper Tanaka Makusha returning to the tournament for the second time.
While the likes of Nicole Muzanenamo, Beaula Hlungwani, Elizabeth Mushore, Nalani Makunde, Progress Moyo, Takadanaishe Zimusi and Tafadzwa Matura will be competing at this level for the first time.
“This is very important because we have more young legs. So with more young girls it’s going to be awesome because they don’t tire. So I am sure we are going to push harder than before,” said Takaidza.
After finishing an impressive eighth place in their first-ever World Cup appearance in 2019, Zimbabwe are targeting a top four finish and Takaidza said it is possible.
Zimbabwe take on Australia in their first Pool A game on Friday. They will then face Fiji the following day and Tonga on Sunday.
“It’s achievable, looking at Australia, it’s not that tough. But I am sure we can make it. If we are to be beaten by Australia, it’s not going to be the same margin as it was in 2019 because the Zimbabwean team is strong. I can tell you it’s strong.
“It’s good because it’s going to measure how our play (is) because we are playing with the toughest team, the number one in the world, so it’s going to measure how we are going to play with Fiji and Tonga. So it’s a very important game, everyone needs to watch,” Takaidza.
Zimbabwe played England yesterday and lost 64-36 in the first of the three friendly matches they are set to play before the tournament gets underway on Friday.
England were leading 33-14 by half time and maintained their lead throughout the game.
The friendlies will give the coaches and their team the chance to work on the areas they are lacking before the World Cup competition begins.
Online Reporter