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Dalphine Tagwireyi Sports Reporter
T
HE Zimbabwe netball team started their African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games on a high note when they dispatched Swaziland 57-16 in a match played at the White City netball courts yesterday.The host nation played a great game yesterday as they manoeuvred their opponents, taking their chances and were ahead barely a minute from start.
But to their credit the visitors initially proved a tough opponent for the girls as they refused to be cowed, dominating in the first seven minutes of the game, but Zimbabwe countered by grabbing the chances and scoring.
However, by the end of the first quarter the hosts were already leading 14 nets to the visitors’ paltry two. Zimbabwe dominated the second quarter as they went all the way to bag their first set of points.
Zimbabwe assistant coach Simbarashe Mlambo paid tribute to the home supporters who went all the way to motivate the girls.
“Swaziland gave us a good challenge but the girls were well co-ordinated as their passes were superb however we owe it to our supporters who kept encouraging the girls and they dominated the game”, he said.
Swaziland coach Fakudzo Simanga said they were punished for failing to convert their goal scoring chances.
“The Zimbabwe team brought pace to the game, it was a really good game given that it is the opening game, but I hope my girls will take more scoring chances instead of playing a good game without scoring”, he said.
Teams
Zimbabwe: Sharon Bwanali (GS), Mercy Mukwadi (GA), Nomagugu Makhalima (3rd quarter Chidochashe Chiwenga WA), Tasilimah Mbimba (C), Sanele Ncube (WD), Felistus Kwanga (GD) captain, Patricia Mauladi (GK)
Swaziland: Phangisile Dlamini (WA) captain, Setsabile Dlamini (GS), Tengetile Dlamini (C 2nd quarter Nomfundo Mlambo), Nonhle Hlophe (GA), Siphelile Myeni (GK), Nolwazi Ngubeni (WD).
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