English scouts eye Gems players
LEADERS CAPS United are yet to beat a team they lost to, in the first round of the Castle Lager Premiership campaign, so far this year.
But, the Green Machine will be hoping to change all that at the National Sports Stadium today.
They take on a Herentals side that beat them 1-3 in the first round.
Already, Chapungu and Chicken Inn have completed doubles over the Darlington Dodo-coached side.
They are yet to meet three of the other teams they lost to in the first round, including Herentals, Ngezi Platinum and ZPC Kariba.
“Of course, we haven’t done well against certain teams after losing the first leg but that is only a statistic,’’ said Dodo.
“As a club, we were not even aware of that record. What is uppermost in our minds as CAPS United is to bounce back to winning ways.
“We lost our last fixture (against Chicken Inn) which I believe would have helped us in a big way had we collected maximum points.
“Herentals are not easy opponents at all. They beat us comprehensively in the first leg though they had a numerical advantage.
“It is something which shows their pedigree.
“They are even more dangerous now considering their predicament. They are fighting for their lives while we are on the top of the standings.’’
Dodo said champions are recognised by the way they are able to rise after a fall.
“We have to do what we need to do. Our goal remains the same. We need to win as many games as possible in the remaining fixtures to be able to get what we need,’’ he said.
“As a team, we know what ought to be done. We should play as a unit in all departments and avoid making unnecessary mistakes.
“The boys are motivated and ready to roar. The good thing is we have our destiny in our own control.
“We don’t have to look at what is happening next door but play and win games for ourselves.”
Chicken Inn will be hoping that CAPS United lose and they post a positive result against Harare City at Rufaro.
In Rusape, Manica Diamonds host draw specialists Dynamos at Vengere while Chapungu and ZPC Kariba square off at Ascot.
Bulawayo Chiefs face fellow relegation fighters Mushowani Stars at Luveve.
Action continues tomorrow with Highlanders entertaining Yadah at Barbourfields and Black Rhinos hosting TelOne at the National Sports Stadium.
The game between Triangle and Hwange has been shelved to give the Lowveld side time to prepare for their CAF Confederation Cup play-off second leg tie against Nouadhibou of Mauritania at Barbourfields on Sunday.
Triangle lost the first leg 0-2 away last weekend.
FIXTURES
Today
CAPS United v Herentals ( NSS) Harare City v Chicken Inn (Rufaro) Chapungu v ZPC Kariba (Ascot) Manica Diamonds v Dynamos ( Vengere) Fc Platinum v Ngezi Platinum (Mandava) Bulawayo Chiefs v Mushowani (Luveve) Tomorrow
Highlanders v Yadah (B/F) Black Rhinos v TelOne ( NSS) Triangle v Hwange (Postponed)
FOLLOWING the Gems participation at the Netball World Cup in Liverpool, England, in July, and the Africa Cup in Cape Town, five national team players have attracted interest from some international agents.
They could secure contracts with English clubs.
The Gems, who had a dream performance in Liverpool where they finished eighth, might be starting to reap rewards from their World Cup showing.
An international marketing agent recently flew into Harare to pursue their interests in Claris Kwaramba.
The agent first noticed the player during the World Cup.
Nineteen-year-old Kwaramba, who plays as a wing defender, is one of the key players in the Gems team.
The Platinum Queens player is tough and thrives under pressure.
Although the process involved in securing a professional club in Europe requires patience, the agent is closely working with the player on the finer details.
They prefer to keep everything out of the limelight.
During the trip here, the agent met with the Zimbabwe Netball Association executive and other parties, including the player’s club.
“The process takes long. The agent’s company will profile her and market her through their avenues until they secure a club and finally have negotiations,’’ said ZINA president, Leticia Chipandu.
“I met with the agent and we talked and they are now dealing with the player and would be advised once something comes up.
“When there is a big tournament, like the World Cup, agents come to scout for talent.
“So, out of the whole team, she (Kwaramba) is the player who generated interest.”
The veteran administrator added that four more players were tracked by another agent from England at last week’s Africa Cup in Cape Town.
Captain and Correctional Queens goal defender Felistus Kangwa, Zimbabwe Defence Forces players, Sharon Bwanali and Patricia Malaudi, and Harare City’s goal attacker Ursula Ndlovu, have attracted interest from a European agent.
“They filled some forms through an advertising agency in South Africa, and the agent will use their profiles to look for clubs for them in England,’’ said Chipandu.
“The players’ clubs will get involved after the agents have found clubs for the players and there are deals on the table.
“At the moment there is nothing and we will wait, hoping for the best.’’
Chipandu said they were happy that they have been able to fulfil important tournaments where players are scouted.
“It is always good to feature at tournaments because that’s where players are scouted.
“In 2010, Joice Takaidza was spotted during the Africa Championships and she went to Australia.
“It’s a welcome development, that’s the ultimatum goal, we have to get more players playing as professional netballers in Europe which will enhance the quality of play at the national team level,” said Chipandu.