Vusumuzi Dube
Nkosilathi Sibanda, Online Reporter
THE country’s senior netball team, the Gems, deserve to be applauded for their great achievement of qualifying for the Vitality World Cup, as this will bring about confidence among girls who would want to pursue sport in the future.
This is the sentiment shared by many women in sport leadership, influencers and personalities who went to say the Gems have shown that females have all what it takes to fly the country’s flag.
The Gems will next week take part in the World Cup in Cape Town from July 28 to August 6. Theirs is a second time in a row, having first done so in London in 2019.
In a series of interviews, women in sport locally spoke glowingly of the Gems. They sent words of encouragement and a spirit of support.
By going to the World Cup, the Gems have put women in country on the map, according to veteran women’s football administrator Samukeliso Silengane.
“This is fantastic. I urge the national netball team to stay focused on the game,” said Silengane.
“We appreciate the hard work put in the team over the years. We thank the coach and everyone who had a hand in shaping up the team. This is the time once again to take Zimbabwean flag to greatest levels. The Gems are the ambassadors of this great nation.
“As they enter the court next week, I would like to say they should be brave to take their opponents head on. Whatever stage they will reach, I encourage them to know that it’s not over until it’s over in every match. As women we rely on them as they have put us on the world map. I say go girls, go.”
One of the country’s most celebrated Mighty Warriors player, Nomsa “Boyz” Moyo sang on a high, as she praised the Gems on a “job well done”.
“I have nothing more to say, other than describing the achievement as a job well done,” said Moyo.
“I am a football person but when any national team goes to international competitions, I become more than football. We are Zimbabweans and these girls need our support.”
Sounding jubilant was one Connie Buka, mother to the youngest Gems’ netballer Nicole Muzanenhamo.
“Go, go Gems we can do this. I am extremely behind the team and wish them well in all the games,” said Buka who is a respected netball coach and a former player of repute.
“Why should I not support the team, when in fact my daughter is part of it? First thing, this is a big achievement for the girl child in Zimbabwe. I am netball player and a coach, which tells I must do the worthy thing and support my country.
In my view, I see the Gems progressing well to the crucial stages. They have the right players that the whole world will be looking up to, I urge all Zimbabweans to support them throughout the tournament. The country’s flag has to fly high.”
Muzanenhamo, who is 19 years of age, would be making her debut at world contest.
It would not be proper for the Gems to go to Cape Town without the encouragement from one of their own. Former Gems captain Perpetua Siyachitema said the team will do well to please the nation.
“The netball family is very pleased to have qualified for a second appearance at the World Cup. I am confident they will play well to please their multitude of supporters. The last time we finished 8th at the 2019 World Cup, so we are hoping they will do much better this time around since they now have experienced players,” she said.
Siyachitema will do commentary for SuperSport for the duration of the World Cup.
Online Reporter