Online Reporter
Tadious Manyepo-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Gems’ relentlessness in the Africa Netball Cup hasn’t escaped the attention of authorities, with the Government yesterday taking their hats off to the team.
Zimbabwe beat Malawi 48-42 to secure bronze in the third-place play-off of the annual continental netball jamboree in Namibia on Saturday.
It was a rare win for the Ropafadzo Mutsauki girls, given Malawi are ranked far better than the Gems in international netball.
But they never showed any signs of fear as they dismantled their fancied opponents, dominating them right from the first ball and winning all four quarters.
The Gems had earlier in the group stages also upstaged Uganda, who are ranked seven places above them in the world, to confirm their growing status as a giant on a global scale.
And the government saluted their gallantry while pledging more support for the team in their bid to climb from 13th rank to the top 10 in the world.
Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Emily Jesaya told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday that they were proud of the Gems.
“It brings me immense pride to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Zimbabwe netball team, the Gems, for their excellent performance at the recently concluded Africa Netball Cup in Namibia.
“Securing a bronze medal and finishing in third place is a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and skill of our athletes,” said Jesaya.
“Their resilience and team spirit have once again showcased the immense potential of Zimbabwean sports on the continental stage.
“The Ministry of Sports, Recreation, Arts, and Culture stands firmly behind our netball team, and we are committed to providing them with the necessary support to continue their growth and success.
“This achievement not only highlights the talent of our players but also reinforces our ongoing mission to uplift and empower all athletes in Zimbabwe.”
Jesaya took time to appreciate the Gems’ all-weather partners, Nedbank, for always seeing to it that the team gets to participate in major competitions.
“I would also like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to Nedbank Zimbabwe for their unwavering support and sponsorship of the Zimbabwe netball team,” added Jesaya.
“Their commitment to our athletes has played a crucial role in the Gems journey, and we are thankful for their partnership in promoting and developing netball in our nation.
“As we celebrate this achievement, we look forward to seeing the Gems continue to excel and inspire the next generation of athletes.
“Together, let us nurture and support our sportsmen and women, ensuring that Zimbabwe remains a force in international competitions.”
Meanwhile, the Gems are expected back home tonight. They will leave Walvis Bay in Namibia this afternoon via Johannesburg and connect to Harare late on. They are scheduled to touch down at the Robert Mugabe International Airport around 8:30 pm, where scores of fans will be waiting for them.
