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Brighton Zhawi in GABORONE, Botswana
THE Zimbabwe netball Gems begin their quest for a berth at next year’s World Cup with a date against the hosts in an Africa Netball Championships opener at the Botswana Netball Association Courts today.The two neighbours renew their rivalry in a potentially thrilling encounter that marks the beginning of a tournament whose two finalists will join giants Malawi and South Africa in representing Africa at the World Cup in Sydney, Australia.
Seven countries will fight for honours, but all eyes will be on today’s clash in a group A that also contains Kenya.
The other team that had been drawn in Group A, Tanzania, failed to travel.
Uganda, Zambia, Namibia and Swaziland comprise the other group.
Botswana will be on a revenge mission after suffering their first defeat to Zimbabwe during the last ANC in Malawi.
However, they edge out their opponents 2-1 on head-to-head clashes, following wins at the inaugural edition in 2010 in Pretoria and the 2012 competition in Tanzania.
Zimbabwe head coach Ledwin Dondo said her team does not need any motivational talk as they have their eyes firmly on a maiden World Cup dance.
“We know what lies ahead if we win this tournament, hence there is high morale in the camp. We are here to win every game.
“We are ready to defend our name. I know Botswana will be eying revenge, but we are ready for the challenge,” said Dondo.
However, the Zimbabwe gaffer is wary of nerves getting the better of her charges in the opener.
“The first match is a pressure game, but we want to take it easy, hold the excitement and not get carried away. Everyone wants to go to Australia, but we need to take each game as it comes,” she said.
Online Reporter