Young Gems seek to shine

Brighton Zhawi
BOUYED by the stellar year their seniors’ had this past season, Zimbabwe Under-21 netball coach Ropafadza Mutsauki is hoping some of that magic will rub off onto her charges when they travel to Botswana for the 2016 Africa World Youth Cup qualifiers. The Gems were crowned the 2015 Team of the Year at the recent Annual National Sports Awards, where head coach Ledwin Dondo also walked away with the Coach of the Year award.
“We are always telling these girls that playing this sport is all about passion and making a name for yourself.
“If you win you will get recognition, and just like what the senior team, we are hoping it will act as motivation for these young girls when they take part in the World Cup qualifiers,” said Mutsauki.
Botswana will again play host to both qualifiers (July 23-30, 2016) and the main tournament the following year.
The Gems claimed the Africa title at the Botswana Netball Courts, which is a few meters from the University of Botswana indoor facility expected to play host to the African qualifiers and the World Cup in 2017.
Mutsauki, whose team will troop into camp in April, is hoping the girls emulate their seniors and qualify for the main tournament.
“We have a good team and we are also lucky that one of our players, Felistus Kwangwa, who was part of the winning senior team, is part of the junior team.“We have a squad of 30 players which will be trimmed to 20 before the final 12. If resources allow, we would like to travel with at least 14 players,” said Mutsauki.Goal defender Kwangwa said it would be “great” to taste success again.
“I am looking forward to the games; I know I can handle the pressures that come with this kind of expectations since I have already played in the senior team.
“I believe we will be ready for the competition and everyone will put up their best performances,” said the 20-year-old Khami Prisons player.