BY MAGRETH RUZVIDZO The Zimbabwe senior netball team has made it through to the semifinals at the ongoing Netball World Cup qualifiers after thrashing Tanzania 43-33 in a thrilling match yesterday in Pretoria, South Africa.
The Gems are yet to lose a match in the continental qualifiers for next year’s World Cup and will be hoping for a solid display when they face South Africa today in their last pool match.
In their opening match, Zimbabwe hammered the 28th-ranked Botswana 49-41 before defeating Namibia 45-41 in their second match on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe are aiming to go beyond the group stages as they seek to book a slot for the Netball World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa next year — the first time for such a continental showpiece to be held in Africa since its inception in 1963.
The Gems fielded a strong side yesterday with a few changes compared to the previous encounter.
They got off to a strong start with the duo of Tafadzwa Matura and Ursula Ndlovu maximising on every opportunity in the shooting circle, netting every chance that came their way.
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The first quarter ended 13-6 in favour of the Gems before they stretched the lead and headed for halftime leading 22-12.
In the third quarter, Zimbabwe maintained a lead as it ended 31-22 before the final whistle was blown with the Gems having a perfect 11-goal lead.
It was only in the last quarter when the Gems tried different combinations mainly in the shooting circle, with goal attack Tafadzwa Matura and goal shooter Ursula Ndlovu making way for Nicole Muzanenhamo and Sharon Bwanali.
The Gems wing attack Beaulla Hlungwane was named Player of the Match as she fought hard in the mid-court and managed to feed the goal shooting circle.
Yesterday’s match left Tanzania the only team without a win so far in Pool A as Botswana collected their two points after defeating Namibia yesterday.
Team assistant coach Tatenda Wisdom Shinya said he hopes that the Gems will keep the fighting spirit when they clash against home favourites South Africa today.
“I’m so happy with the victory, I give credit to the girls who are doing the job. We are now looking forward to our next game against South Africa. We are going to give our all and we are going to give them a good run. We are actually playing to win and not only to participate because no one is invincible,” Shinya said.
“Going into our next game we have nothing to lose, they have a better ranking than us so we are going there to learn and to win. It’s going to be an exposure to the new kids on our side and we are going to create as many combinations as we can preparing for the semifinals.”
Speaking on Bwanali’s appearance in the last quarter after she got injured on Tuesday in their clash against Namibia, Shinya said he was happy with her recovery and hopes she remains fit as the competition is now getting tougher.
“The players are fighters, they know why they are here so I’m proud of them and their efforts. We are going to work hard so that they continue with the momentum,” he said.
Though the Gems have made it to the semifinals, the battle continues as they aim to finish in the top two at this tournament in order to compete in the World Cup next year.
- Follow Magreth on Twitter @MagrethRuzvidzo