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Brighton Zhawi in GABORONE, Botswana
AT the first time of asking, the Zimbabwe Under-20 netball side wrote another piece of history for Zimbabwean sport when they qualified for the 2017 Netball World Youth Cup set for Botswana.

Despite a 31-42 loss at the hands of bitter rivals South Africa here yesterday, the Zimbabwe Under-20 will be one of the four African nations at the global competition in Botswana.

The Young Gems secured a top three finish needed for a World Cup berth after amassing 10 points from six matches and will be joined by Uganda and South Africa who are also through to the global showpiece after attaining 12 points from six matches.

Botswana will make it as the hosts.

Uganda (10 points) are the other side to book a place at the World Cup.

Zimbabwe team head coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki praised the Young Gems.

“I am really proud of the girls. They have shone for our country, it is an honour to be part of history,” said Mutsauki.

“It would have been nice to qualify unbeaten, but in the end qualifying was the bigger goal.

“We lost to a better team, they had a good start and did well to consolidate.

“Our defence struggled to handle their tall shooter who was accurate as well.”

Action concludes today with matches that will decide the final positions.

Zimbabwe play Botswana while South Africa engage Uganda in today’s matches.

Mutsauki said he wants a strong finish and take second position.

“We have to beat Botswana, we will come out strong and give it our best,” he said.

Zimbabwe have so far recorded five wins over Zambia, Namibia, Lesotho, Malawi and Uganda and they hope to finish the competition on a winning note against Botswana today.