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Mixed fortunes for Zim netball teams in Malawi

Sport
It was the Gems’ third consecutive defeat at the tournament after they lost the reverse fixture against Malawi a few days ago. They had also been defeated by Namibia.

BY MAGRETH RUZVIDZO Zimbabwe’s ladies netball teams currently participating in the Southern Africa Netball Association (COSANA) tri-nation tournament in Blantyre, Malawi recorded mixed fortunes yesterday after the senior team The Gems suffered a 63-34 defeat against the hosts while the Under-19 team thrashed Namibia 46-36.

It was the Gems’ third consecutive defeat at the tournament after they lost the reverse fixture against Malawi a few days ago. They had also been defeated by Namibia.

In yesterday’s match, the Gems suffered a huge loss compared to the first two rounds as they were dominated from the first quarter up to the final whistle.

The first quarter ended 14-8, second 26-16, third 43-20 and the final one 63-34 all in favour of Malawi.

Speaking after the match yesterday, Gems assistant coach Tatenda Shinya said athough the team lost, he was impressed by his side’s performance since the team fielded a different combination for the game.

“I think we are learning and I am happy with the performance of the players. We had to come up with a different strategy altogether but I’m sure the ones we introduced tried their best and I’m happy with their performance,” Shinya said.

The Gems will face off with Namibia in a decider today with a chance to redeem themselves.

“We have to be psychologically prepared for the game against Namibia because it is a decider but I’m sure we are going to wallop them.”

The Gems have so far recorded a single victory at the tournament, a 48-36 win in their opening match against Namibia before the Desert Jewels fought back in the second round and won 38-34.

In contrast, the Zimbabwe Under-19 team has been impressive as they continued with their unbeaten run at the tournament.

They opened their campaign on Sunday with a 42-23 victory over Namibia before hammering Malawi 42-37 on Tuesday.

The Young Gems will clash against Malawi today.

  • Follow Magreth on Twitter@MagrethRuzvidzo

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