Young Gems in must-win game
ZIMBABWE National Netball Under21s who sit in third position on the log standings of the ongoing World Netball Youth Cup Qualifiers in Pretoria, South Africa need a win today against Malawi to maintain their position.
Currently, the Young Gems boast themselves with six points from five games while Malawi is second placed after bagging an equal number of points from four games.
The third position will give them safe passage into the semi-finals where they will then battle for one of the three World Youth Cup finals slots.
The global contest is scheduled to take part in Gibraltar at the Tercentenary Sports Hall and Europa Sports Park between September 19 and 28.
Head Coach Tapiwa Chirenda and his side after making their first appearance at the World Youth Cup in 2017 are eyeing a second dance with the global stars.
If the Young Gems lose to Malawi, it means they slide a position down to number four where their fate will then be decided by Namibia who have so far played three matches with four points.
If Namibia wins their two fixtures today, they move to second position, with eight points, two behind log leaders South Africa.
Chirenda notes that his charges need to win for them to remain safe in the race.
“The Malawi game is a must-win for us to ensure a safe chance to qualify either through finals which have become less of a reality due to the big positive goal difference of Malawi as compared to us,” he said.
“If we lose we still stand a mathematical chance of playing for third and fourth place, not guaranteed though.
“The kids showed character when we needed them to and I believe that is actually what has taken us this far.
“The first two games were tight, we won them through mental aptitude, and the girls showed resilience and maturity in the game.”
After the two consecutive defeats against South Africa and Namibia, Chirenda had to have a candid talk with his charges.
“We had to sit and introspect, we engaged in an open discussion, talked about their fears, hopes, and aspirations and I am happy the strategy worked,” said Chirenda.
“Looking at the game against Tanzania, you could think they were a new team and I hope that they carry the same calmness into today’s match and the one after that.
“Malawi is not a pushover; our games have always been tight but we are not going to read into the past.
“We are approaching this as a new game, we will play our usual game, and take charge of the game with the hope that this will emotionally disturb them and give us an upper hand.”