Chronicle Editor
Harare Bureau
ZIMBABWE’S Gems captain, Felisitus Kwangwa, says they still need to improve their game despite beating Tanzania 58-39 in Windhoek, Namibia, yesterday.
It was their fourth game at the competition, which got underway, on Tuesday and it was their second victory.
The game got off to high intensity, in the early stages of the first quarter, with Zimbabwe making their intention clear.
But they were inconsistent in their performance, committing unforced errors, and making stray passes. Zimbabwe took the lead from the start and by half-time, they were leading 27-18.
They managed to maintain their lead throughout with coach Lloyd Makunde some changes when they returned for the third quarter.
Lynnette Tanhira came in for goal shooter Sharon Bwanali, who had a good game.
She did not disappoint also while on wing attack, Paidamoyo Tinoza replaced Progress Moyo. Zimbabwe were leading 41-28 at the end of the third quarter. Tanzania are making a return to international netball after some time without competing at this level, and Kwangwa said they could have done better.
“I can say they are a very good side and they really gave us a tough time considering they have not been playing netball for quite a long time on the international level.
“I think they are doing pretty well and I believe in two to three years’ time they will be one of the powerhouses of netball in Africa,” said Kwangwa. Zimbabwe have a date with Uganda this morning before they take on Zambia later in the afternoon.
They lost to Uganda at the Pent Series and drew with Zambia.
The Gems know they have to pull their socks up if they are to get positive results today.
They need to ensure they improve their passes and utilise every opportunity that comes their way in both games.
Kwangwa said it’s not going to be easy taking on Uganda and they have to be at their best.
“It’s going to be a tough match but, as a team, I think even though we won today, we made a lot of mistakes, which is something we need to work on.
“I think I have been preaching about it, we need to utilise our turnovers, we need to minimise our mistakes.
‘‘But, it seems, we are making more mistakes than reducing them.
“So, as a team, we need to concentrate on what we will be doing on court and make sure that we utilise all the opportunities that we get,” said Kwangwa. Makunde admitted yesterday’s performance was below par.
“They brought the game to us, we didn’t play well,” said Makunde.
If they lose one of the matches today they will be out of contention for the top three.
Online Reporter