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Tadious Manyepo in LILONGWE, Malawi

ZIMBABWE national netball U20 side, the Young Gems gave themselves a huge lift when winning their opening tie against Zambia in the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Games at the Griffin Court here yesterday.

The Young Gems needed to win this match to lay their path for what could be a difficult campaign.

They managed to do just that, clipping the Zambians 44-33 in a tie they silenced the raucous arena which was rallying their opponents.

There were times Zimbabwe appeared to be losing the cause even going for the half-time break trailing 16-15 despite having carried a seemingly health 12-8 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The third quarter was especially tough for the Young Gems who at one point during that quarter trailed 25-19.

But, somehow, the Zimbabweans summoned their A-Game to subdue their opponents and effectively silence the packed 5 000-seater indoor facility.

Young Gems coach Simbarashe Mlambo hailed his charges for showing character.

“The match was tough, very tough but I am happy we managed to win the game.

“There was a time we allowed Zambia to roam freely in the court and we looked like they were losing conviction,” said Mlambo.

“Our handling wasn’t up to scratch and I thought we should have done better both defensively and offensively.

“But all the same, I am happy as this victory gives us the boost we need going forward.

“The game was tight as we also allowed the opponents to breath especially given we were making  too many errors.

“But, look, we were able to hold our own and pull through”.

Action continues today when Zimbabwe face Botswana with Mlambo wary of the threats posed the western neighbours.

“We don’t have much time right now, we need to start preparing for the upcoming game against Botswana tomorrow (today).

“The games come so fast and we need to be perfect as we go. I think we need to improve in converting our turn-overs going forward. The goal is to win gold and we need to stay focused.

Goal Shooter Thandazile Ndhlovu l, who scored 41 points for the Young Gems said the team did well especially given Zambia werqe leading them at one point.

“I am very happy that we managed to win this game although there were times we felt like losing.

“Zambia are no pushovers and we went into this game very much aware of what we needed to do to try and get the points,” she said.

“We needed to be at our best but in some instances we failed to be in control.

“At one point, we thought we would lose as Zambia seized control of proceedings especially in the second going into the third quarter.

“We lapsed in our concentration but I am happy we managed to pick ourselves up again thanks to the support from the stands. The girls volleyball team also did well to fend off Botswana in their opener.

The match was closely fought but it was the Zimbabweans who had the last laugh winning the close contest  3-2.

Boys basketball side, who lost their opening match against Angola on Saturday were scheduled to play late yesterday just like the boys volleyball team. 

Meanwhile in the boys singles section in tennis, Tinaye Badza and Takura Mhwandagara won their matches against Malawian opposition to progress to the quarter finals.

Badza beat6-0 Mitchell Ndlove 6-0, 6-0 while Mhwandagara was 6-1 6-0 to the good against George Napolion.

The two will play in the last eight on Wednesday. Two of their colleagues
Lyle Zaloumis and Shayne Tapera play their second round matches against Zambians Robert Chilshe and Hamayangwe Nakalanga respectively today.