Gems qualify for semi-finals
Mako Jerera
The Zimbabwe senior Netball team, the Gems, have made it to the semi-finals of the Africa Netball World Cup after beating Tanzania 43-33 in Pretoria, South Africa this Wednesday.
In their opening match, Zimbabwe hammered the 28th-ranked Botswana 49-41 before defeating Namibia 45-41 in their second match on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe are aiming to go beyond the group stages as they seek to book a slot for the Netball World Cup in Cape Town, South Africa next year, the first time for such a continental showpiece to be held in Africa since its inception in 1963.
“We have 12 players and all of them are equally good. Going into this game, we were prepared because we knew this game was going to be tough and important for us to ensure that we progress to the semi-finals. So we are happy the team did not disappoint, they gave their all and made us proud,” said Assistant coach Tatenda Shinya.
Wing attacker, Beaular Hlungwane, who was named player of the match was full of praise for her side.
“It was a tough game and we went into this match knowing that our opponents are a strong team so we had to play and fight as a team till we got this positive result,” she said.
Zimbabwe will face South Africa in the last group match which is now a battle for the top spot in group A.
The two sides will meet with South Africa at the top of the group courtesy of a better record in terms of points scored after the two nations won all their three group matches.
The Gems are likely to face Malawi in the semi-finals as they top group B.
Two top teams, at the end of the tournament other than South Africa who have already qualified as hosts, will make it to the World Cup.
Though the Gems have made it to the semi-finals, the battle continues as they aim to finish in the top two at this tournament in order to compete in the World Cup next year.
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