Cool Sport: Young Gems offered chance to shine

“We have been invited to play England and South Africa ahead of the July World Cup”.

ZIMBABWE netball team, The Young Gems, have been offered a chance to prove their worth after being invited to square up against England and South Africa in a tri-nations tournament.

South Africa is hosting the invitational tournament, which they are using to prepare for the Netball World Youth Cup, from January 24-26 in Dur- ban.

The three nations are also part of the 20 teams that will compete at the Netball World Youth Cup in Gaborone, Botswana from July 8-16.

Zimbabwe Netball Association secretary general Barbara Rice confirmed the invitation but was quick to highlight that the team’s travel hinges on the governing body’s ability to raise money for the trip.

“We have been invited to play England and South Africa ahead of the July World Cup,” said Rice. We are running around looking for money to travel, we cannot miss this opportunity which will boost our World Cup preparations,” she said.

Rice noted that Zimbabwe needs to be on top of their game when they take part at the Word Cup where they will be in the same group with four time champions Australia, neighbours South Africa, Barbados and Singapore.

“The World Cup will not be easy hence the need for the best possible preparations and we are appealing to well wishers to come on board and help the girl child realise her dreams,” said Rice.

Meanwhile, the senior netball team has also been invited to the Hong Kong tri-nations where they will play the hosts and Malaysia from March 16-19.

“It is quite a busy year with the African Championship also coming in May in Uganda,” said Rice.

“We are looking for funds for air-tickets to travel to Hong Kong. Playing in this tournament will boost our world ranking and also help in our preparations for the African Championship where we have to defend our title,” she said.

Zimbabwe is currently ranked a record 17th in the world. — Sunday Mail.