Patricia Moyo
ZIMBABWE’S Senior
Netball team, the Gems are all set to compete in the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa.
The global showpiece runs from 28 July- August 6.
The Gems skipper Felistus Kwanga, who represented Zimbabwe in 2019 boldly revealed her intention of helping the team reach the semi finals in Cape Town.
“We have prepared, there is nothing left but to win our games, we are number four. That is what we are aiming for.” The Gems skipper, Kwanga said.
Kwanga plays her trade for
English based club Surrey.
The national team’s youngest and exciting teenage sensation Nicole Muzanenhamo said she is prepared to compete on the world stage. The 19 year old hinted that this would boost her confidence going forward.
“The next few days will change my life because I have never reached this stage of the game. I will return with experience in this World Cup. I will play hard, I will help my teammates to be satisfied with the victory.”The teenage sensation said.
The Gems National team Head Coach concurred with the players.
“We are going to compete, we are competitors. So we are going to compete and we need this trophy, we are aiming for it.” The Gems gaffer said
The Gems were seen off at the Robert Mugabe International Airport, Harare this Thursday. They are scheduled to play friendly matches against previous tourney hosts England, Barbados and Scotland before the tournament Kick-starts on 28 July.
The National Netball team received a windfall over U$70,000 courtesy of Nedbank sponsorship. Each player only received US$500 from the same sponsorship funds to cater for travel expenses once they arrive in Cape Town.
The Gems are pitted in Pool A, along with Fiji, Australia and Tonga.
Their first game is against Australia on the opening day, then face Fiji on 29 July and lastly play Tonga on the 30th.
The travelling team comprises of Felistus, kwanga, Claris Kwaramba, Joice Takaidza, Nalani Makunde, Tafadzwa Matura, Elizabeth Mushore, Progress Moyo, Sharleen Makusha, Beaula Hlungwani, Nicole Muzanenhamo, Assa Zimusi, Ursula Ndlovu, Tafadzwa Mawango and Paidamoyo Tinoza.
The Technical team is made of: Agness Chiroodza, Ropafadzo Mutsauki, Wisdom Shinya, Tapiwa Chirenda and Nyembesi.
Zim GBC Sport News2023©