dyton mupawaenda
Ellina Mhlanga in Sun City, South Africa
THE participation of the Zimbabwe select side at the Telkom Netball League Power Week One has provided some upcoming players with an opportunity to have a feel of what it is like playing in a different environment.
The Zimbabwe Netball Association, with the support of their corporate partners Nedbank, brought a team consisting of senior and upcoming players to compete against top South African clubs in an effort to widen the player base for national teams.
Some of the young players expected to make the Zimbabwe team for the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games scheduled for July in Namibia, are also part of the select side here in South Africa.
The likes of 16-year-old Selmor Charindeguta and Ruvimbo Pawandiwa, who is 18, have had a chance to play some of the Games during this tour.
For the young shooter Pawandiwa, the exposure has boosted her confidence.
“This opportunity means a lot to me. It’s a learning opportunity and I think we are improving as a team.
“It’s a chance to learn new skills,’’ Pawandiwa said.
“Some of the things that I have learnt include teamwork.
“Now my confidence has improved compared to when I first played. I was overwhelmed with fear. But now I think I have adapted to the environment and the competition.
“Playing with senior players, it pushes you to another level because the competition is high,” said Pawandiwa.
Charindeguta, a promising defender from Pamushana High School is looking forward to sharing her experience with her teammates when she returns home.
“When I saw my name on the playing team, I couldn’t believe it because almost every day we were just supporting others since we are Under-19.
“So, when I made it on the line up, the seniors were supportive and encouraged me to play my game.
“I tried my best to do well.
“I am happy because it’s not every day that you get the opportunity to play at this level with the seniors.
“I have learnt that when you play, it’s not about age, you just need to give your all.
“The games were tough.
“I think the experience and exposure I am getting here will come in handy especially when I go back to the Under-19 and compete at the schools’ nationals.
“When you get such an opportunity as this one, it helps improve your game when you play your age-mates especially NASH competitions,” added thee 16-year-old.
Charindeguta was part of the Zimbabwe Under-17 side who won gold at the Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa (COSSASA) Games in Bulawayo last year.
Her desire is to make it into the senior national team in the future.
“I was part of the Under-17 last year in August at the COSSASA Games.
“And now being part of this team, it’s not something I was expecting.
“My wish is to make the senior national team, the Gems. I just have to keep working hard.”
Coach Stembile Banda, who has been working with some of the Under-19 back said it’s a perfect platform for preparation ahead the upcoming junior assignments.
“Them blending with the senior team and them being exposed to high quality netball, it means a lot in terms of the preparations for the upcoming events, for the Region 5 Games.
“You know, being exposed to highly competitive games like this gives them a lot of confidence. It boosts their morale,” Banda.
Online Reporter