Mutsauki tinkers with Gems squad

ZIMBABWE senior netball team coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki is confident the Gems’ rebuilding exercise will gradually bear fruit.

The team have been in camp preparing for the 13th edition of the Africa Cup, which is scheduled for the University of Botswana between November 26 and December 6.

For the first time, the regional contest will run concurrently with the Men’s Africa Netball Cup.

To bolster his squad that did duty at the 2023 World Cup, Mutsauki has introduced some new players, who include Taslimah Mdimba, Thandazile Ndlovu, Kelly Muyambo, Lesibane Munjanji, Chipo Shoko and Moreblessing Mubhishi.

“The new blood will bring in a fresh flair to the game and the hunger to fight for a spot and prove themselves, which is what we need,” said Mutsauki.

He has, however, maintained faith in most of the players who took part in this year’s World Cup.

Poster girl Nicole Muzanenamo, who had a standout performance at the global showpiece, Elizabeth Mushore, Takadanaishe Assah Zimusi and Beulah Hlungwani are expected to inspire the Gems.

Veterans Claris Kwaramba, Sharleen Makusha, Progress Moyo and Chipo Shoko should also add some stability and maturity to the team.

“We are taking this to be a project, building something for the future, so here we are laying the foundation,” he said.

“They still have age on their side; what we need now is to maintain the team and get them the much-needed international exposure so that we create a solid bedrock for the future.”

Seasoned defender Cynthia Gamuchirai has also bounced back and will be expected to partner former Surrey Storm star and captain Felisitus Kwangwa.

There are also places in the squad for veterans Joice Takaidza, Sharon Bwanali, Tafadzwa Matura, Ursula Ndlovu, Patricia Mauladi, Yvonne Madzikangava and Tafadzwa Mawango.

“Some of the seniors struggled at the World Cup but we feel we have to give them another chance, because even if we are rebuilding, we still need results so that we maintain our world rankings,” he added.

“They bring in some stability and the much-needed experience into the team, and their presence gives confidence to the youngsters . . . but we are not losing focus on our future goal.”

Mutsauki wants to use the Africa Cup to both gauge the progress they have made with the rebuilding exercise and also redeem themselves after a disappointing World Cup.

“Our team was largely made up of rookies at the World Cup; we had to throw them into the deep end and, as a result, they struggled in the initial stages but it later worked out.

“This showed that we are in the right direction, so we keep moving. Unfortunately, Nalani Makunde will not be joining the team this time.”

Makunde, who was a debutant at the global tourney, left a lasting impression for her accuracy in shooting.

“We brought in new faces, they have been doing duty for the Young Gems and we feel they are ready to graduate into the senior team.

“The entire squad has been active in the league, so physically, they are not bad. What we are largely focusing on is creating depth and building as many combinations as we can.”

While much is being done on the court, the marketing side is still lagging behind.

Considering that the regional competition is three weeks away, it is believed more ground should have been covered by now to ensure visibility of the team and mobilise resources.

Provisional Squad:

Taslimah Mdimba,Thandazile Ndlovu, Kelly Muyambo, Lesibane Munjanji, Chipo Shoko, Moreblessing Mubhishi, Nicole Muzanenamo, Elizabeth Mushore, Takadanaishe Assah Zimusi, Beullah Hlungwani, Sharleen Makusha, Claris Kwaramba, Progress Moyo, Chipo Shoko, Cynthia Gamuchirai, Felisitus Kwangwa (Captain), Joice Takaidza, Sharon Bwanali, Tafadzwa Matura, Ursula Ndlovu, Patricia Mauladi, Yvonne Madzikangava, Tafadzwa Mawango