Zim U-19 netball coach optimistic

Darlington Gatsi

ZIMBABWE Under-19 netball coach, Simbarashe Mlambo, believes a vibrant junior policy is the only way the game can continue developing in the country.

This follows the Young Gems’ exploits in the Confederation of Southern Africa Netball Association (COSANA), held in Malawi recently, where the team clinched gold.

The Young Gems won three games, losing one to the hosts, but that was enough to cap off a successful outing in Blantyre.

The performances of the teenage stars provide a ray of hope as the senior team is bidding for a second show at the Netball World Cup to be held in South Africa next year.

“I think every team has to have a junior policy, bring in the young ones into the team and make sure that they are playing regularly,”

“I also think more game time is needed for them and also get an opportunity to play more,” said Mlambo.

The Young Gems have been a conveyor belt of players for the senior team with players like Claris Kwaramba coming through the system and representing the country at the 2019 Netball World Cup.

Mlambo said the campaign in Malawi was fruitful in preparing the team for the African Union Sports Council games set for later this year.

“Well, the tournament was a success. We managed to evaluate our players and actually see one or two things.

“It gave us an opportunity to assess our young players as they were debutants on the international platform. “It is a good starting point because it meant that we actually assessed them and evaluated their performances and how strong they were mentally and physically.

“And, what to expect from our opponents because the Malawians were quite good.

“Definitely, we can do better given a chance to coordinate more and get one or two other girls in camp,” he said.

The COSANA tri-nations series ran concurrently with the tourney for senior teams from Malawi, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

“I do not want to preempt anything but there are about two players who have been identified by the national team coaches.

“I want to think that they will make the grade one of these fine years and it will be something worthwhile. “It is a coach’s dream to see young talent going up and doing well.

“I want to think Thandazile Ndlovu, Faith Mutero, Faith Chitunda and Esther Kasiku really did well and I was quite impressed,” said Mlambo.