Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Young Gems, Zimbabwe’s Under-19 netball team, are poised to make a strong impression at the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games which officially started in Windhoek, Namibia yesterday.
With intensive preparations and valuable exposure gained from their recent interaction with the Zambezi Eagles, who took part at the Telkom Netball League tourney, Zimbabwe coach Stembile Banda is confident about her team’s chances.
The team’s preparations have been thorough, with a focus on building physical and mental fitness, as well as refining their skills and combinations.
The exposure gained from playing with the Zambezi Eagles has also been beneficial, with players like Ruvimbo Pawandiwa gaining valuable experience and confidence.
Resultantly the team’s expectations are high, and they aim to build on their bronze medal from the 2022 edition with a strong finish in Namibia.
With a talented squad, including players like Selmor Charindeguta, Ashley James, Rutendo Kapfunde, Nyaradzai Muzvondiwa, and Audrey Chitesa, the Young Gems are ready to take on the competition and make their mark.
While the Games started yesterday, netball competition only gets underway tomorrow when Zimbabwe will be up against Botswana at the Showgrounds Sports Plaza in Windhoek.
Banda is confident of the groundwork covered in preparation for the competition.
“Preparations for Region 5 Games were done intensively I would like to say since selection in August.
“The initial camp we did in June, from the 1st of June to the 9th of June, that was the initial camp, we had a rigorous training programme that we underwent to sharpen our skills and also to enhance competition.
“We also had different training schedules and training programmes that we followed and we worked on combinations before we left.”
As the competition comes to life, Banda has demanded that her charges maintain physical and mental fitness.
“These Games are highly competitive so we have to be prepared physically and mentally.
“They need to be psyched a lot since they are moving into a new environment. So, actually they need to adapt,” said Banda.
Having claimed a bronze medal at the 2022 edition, with the spirits high in the camp, Sibanda is hoping for a better outing.
“We want to build on the momentum from the previous performance in 2022,” said Banda.
Featuring for the Zambezi Eagles helped some of the rookies an opportunity to interact with some of the seasoned Gems players who made up the core of the national select side.
Pawandiwa had a chance to play a few games and was part of the team for the second week last month.
“All in all, we wanted the exposure, we wanted them to learn different playing styles, we wanted them to grow, to refine their playing skills.
“I would like to say we have the likes of Pawandiwa, who actually played during the Telkom games and she learnt a lot of skills.
“And we are actually looking up to her because she has got a lot of experience, she played with the seniors and has got a bag of tricks.”
