ZIMBABWE Senior Netball team claimed bronze ended their COVID-19 induced sabbatical with a third-place finish at the Debmarine Pent Series with a nervy 52-52 against Zambia in Windhoek this afternoon.
Sport in Zimbabwe was put on hold in the last two years as the government imposed a blanket ban as part of mitigatory measures to contain the novel virus.
But the Gems did not disappoint even against the backdrop of playing their first match of the competition against powerhouse Malawi an hour after arrival from the long road trip. The girls shrugged off their adversaries and ensured the country’s flag was lifted high enough.
Their final encounter against Malawi did not require anyone to leave their seats even when nature called for it; it was a moving netball game that captivated audiences.
Uganda won the tournament unbeaten after dismissing hosts Namibia 55-37 earlier, while Malawi settled for silver with only one defeat against the champions.
Focus shifts to the African Netball Championships scheduled to run from November 8. In addition to the six teams that took part in the Pent Series, holders South Africa, Botswana and Tanzania will also participate in the African Safari.
Tournament Results
1st November
Namibia 25 – 0 Kenya
Uganda 76 – 22 Zambia
Malawi 56 – 38 Zimbabwe
2nd November
Malawi 43 – 59 Uganda
Zimbabwe 56 – 46 Kenya
Namibia 53 – 34 Zambia
3rd November
Uganda 79 – 40 Zimbabwe
Malawi 64 – 43 Namibia
Zambia 50 – 42 Kenya
4th November
Zambia 44 – 76 Malawi
Uganda 77 – 28 Kenya
Zimbabwe 57 – 38 Namibia
