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Ellina Mhlanga Senior Sports Reporter
GEMS’ coach Lloyd Makunde says he is pleased they managed to get a podium finish at the just-ended Pent Series in Namibia.
The Zimbabweans settled for bronze, after they drew 52-52 with Zambia, in their last game yesterday.
The senior national netball team finished third behind Uganda, who won all their matches, while Malawi were second.
“I can say we had a good tournament considering that we have many debutantes in the team and that we were coming from being idle for quite some time,’’ said Makunde.
“We are happy with the podium finish but not satisfied with the bronze medal.” The competition featuring Kenya, Namibia, Uganda, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe was played in a round-robin format.
Zimbabwe lost to Malawi and Uganda. They then beat Kenya and Namibia before they drew against Zambia. The Gems had a tough time containing the Zambians and they were three goals down going into half time.
The first quarter had ended with the two teams tied 12-12 as the Zambians utilised their turnovers while Zimbabwe were struggling to settle in the game.
“We didn’t come to the party today. We had too many unforced errors with a team playing with one man short.
‘’It was not a good show for us today and we need to be much better in the African Championships,’’ Makunde said. Zimbabwe and Namibia were tied on four points, going into yesterday’s games, but the latter lost to Uganda to remain on four points.
The Gems finished the tournament with five points from two wins and a draw. Zimbabwe Netball Association president, Letitia Chipandu, said the game was a dedicated to the late team manager, Ledwin Dondo.
“The game was played as a dedication to the late team manager Ledwin Dondo.
“The game against Zambia was a very tough one and very physical. The Zambians were very physical but we managed to contain them.
“It was so hot and it was like mid-day, so the going was tough, and I want to believe that the girls did not perform as much as we expected,’’ said Chipandu.
Online Reporter