THE Nedbank Zimbabwe sponsored Gems begin their Vitality Netball World Cup campaign with a date against 2019 runners-up, Australia in Cape Town, South Africa on Friday morning.
Australia lost to New Zealand by one goal, 52-51 at the last World Cup in Liverpool four years ago while Zimbabwe finished a commendable eight in the 16-team tournament.
UK-based Felisistus Kwangwa who turns out for Surrey Storm leads her charges from defense in their ambitious bid for a top five finish.
Zimbabwe Netball Association president, Leticia Chipandu who accompanied the girls in Cape Town is confident they will represent the country and continent well.
“The girls are well prepared for the World Cup. They are mentally set to go and do the job,” she told EnterSportNews.
“I can promise the nation that we will do Zimbabwe proud and perhaps finish in the top five that’s where we are aiming.”
Having quietly gone about their preparations at their modest dwellings at Girls High in the capital and buoyed by Nedbank’s vote of confidence, the dream starts in earnest this morning. The match is scheduled for 11am.
“I want to thank all those that have supported the Gems, Nedbank, Spar and many other people that came on board to assist the girls and not forgetting our Government that has always supported us under the different assignments that we have undertook,” Chipandu added.
Zimbabwe, participating in their second successive World Cup after their maiden appearance in Liverpool are in Group C that also has Fiji and Tonga.
The Gems take on Fiji on Saturday before winding down their preliminary round games against Tonga on Sunday.
GEMS WORLD CUP SQUAD:
Felisitus Kwangwa (Captain), Claris Kwaramba (VC), Joice Takaidza, Nalani Makunde, Tafadzwa Matura, Sharon Bwanali, Elizabeth Mushore, Progress Moyo, Sharleen Makusha, Beaula Hlungwani, Nicole Muzanenhamo, Assa Zimusi
RESERVES:
Ursula Ndlovu, Tafadzwa Mawango, Paidamoyo Tinoza.
TECHNICAL TEAM:
Agnes Chiroodza (Team Manager), Ropafadzo Mutsauki (Head Coach), Wisdom Shinya (1st Assistant Coach), Tapiwa Chirenda (2nd Assistant Coach),
Nyembesi Kwava (Physiotherapist).
