Sports Reporter
The Gems, Zimbabwe’s National netball team, demonstrated their rapid improvement by securing a Bronze Medal at the Celtic Cup held at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland.
They achieved this by defeating Northern Ireland 55-49 in a tightly contested match on Sunday.
Tournament Highlights
- This tournament marked the Gems’ first competitive outing outside of Africa since participating in the 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool.
- Zimbabwe finished third in a four-team tournament, despite being the lowest-ranked team.
- Wales emerged as the tournament champions, defeating Scotland in the final.
- In the round-robin stage, the Gems faced Wales and put up a strong fight, narrowly losing 50-46.
Key Players and Performances
- Takadanaishe Assah Zimusi, the captain for the day, played a pivotal role in inspiring the team.
- Elizabeth Mushore was named player of the match for her exceptional performance as goalkeeper, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive efforts and turnover opportunities.
Coach’s Insights
Coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance:
- She noted the increased competitiveness of the match against Northern Ireland compared to their earlier encounter.
- Mutsauki emphasized the importance of these victories for their ranking and the team’s motivation moving forward.
- She highlighted the need for continued exposure to international competition to foster growth as a netball nation.
Upcoming Challenge
Following their bronze medal achievement, the Gems are set to face a formidable opponent in a friendly match against England, ranked second in the world and silver medalists at the 2023 Netball World Cup in South Africa. This match presents a significant challenge for the Gems as they seek to enhance their skills and experience against top-tier international competition.
Zim GBC News©2024