Game on for the Gems

ZIMBABWE Senior netball coach Lloyd Makunde would have loved to face hosts South Africa first at the upcoming Diamond Challenge.

But the Gems face Proteas in the last round of fixtures in a round robin format that runs from November 27 to December 1 at Ngoako Ramatlhodi Arena in Limpopo, South Africa.

The Gems open their account with a clash against Botswana before taking on Zambia and Namibia.

The SA President’s XII and the South African Proteas follow after that.

“This will be a very tricky challenge and the fixture is definitely not what I wished for. Playing South Africa on the last day is not what I wanted meaning I have to reshuffle my plan,” said Makunde.

The Proteas are the highest ranked side in the competition, sitting fifth in the world, the Gems are placed 13th.

This will be Makunde’s first time up against the South Africans since taking over the reins from Ledwin Dondo last year.

The Gems have never beaten South Africa.

“South Africa are the African netball powerhouse and it was ideal if we clashed on the first day when the players will still be fresh, without frustrations or injuries,” he said.

Makunde said his charges would have to focus more on pace if they were to outclass their neighbours in their own backyard.

“We need to work on pace to keep up with their fast game, meaning endurance should be key. “Their shooters are experienced and there might be no chances for rebound therefore if we are to survive, we need to tighten our mid and cut their supply,” said Makunde.

With their mid being the weakest link at the African Championships in Zambia, the Gems need a major shakeup.

The gaffer said as the squad regrouped, they would focus on endurance and new strategies.

Against Namibia, the Makunde-mentored side will bank on quick transitions and short balls. And after losing to the Gems at the African Championships, Namibia will be seeking revenge.

“We cannot focus on what happened in the previous game for example after suffering a blow against Namibia at the pent series in June, we beat them with a wide margin at the African Championships in August.

“Naturally, we expect them and Zambia to be bitter which calls for us to be very careful,” said Makunde.

He expressed disappointment over Uganda and Malawi’s absence after the two pulled out at the 11th hour, saying the tough competition the duo brought would have been good for Zimbabwe’s preperatins for the July 2019 World Cup in Liverpool, England.

Participants in the Diamond Challenge will pick International Netball Federation ranking points.