Zimpapers Logo

Grace Chingoma Senior Sports Reporter

GEMS coach Lloyd Makunde says they have rectified their mistakes and are bullish as they seek their first victory over Malawi at the Africa Netball Cup in Windhoek, Namibia.

The Zimbabwe senior national netball team play Malawi at 3pm this afternoon.

After a three-hour session this morning in Windhoek, the Zimbabwean coach is optimistic.

“We had our morning session, a three-hour session, and we corrected everything that was supposed to be corrected. We are going out with guns blazing, and if we win the game against Malawi, we have so much to gain, so we are looking for our first win against Malawi today,” said Makunde.

Makunde says complacency nearly cost them the game against Namibia, which they narrowly won 50-49, yesterday. Zimbabwe had to dig deeper, as the hosts dominated the large parts of the game.

However, Tuesday’s win, the first at the Africa Cup after losing heavily to South Africa in the opening game on Monday, was all that counted at the end of the day.

“The win means two points in the bag for us although it isn’t the result we were expecting. We need to win as many games so that achieve our goal which is a podium finish. The mood is good, the morale was high before the game up to this morning’s training session.

“We need to improve on all areas, especially making sure that we force the opponents to make as many turnovers as possible and capitalise on them,” said Makunde.

The game against Malawi, who together with South Africa are the African powerhouses, is a tricky game for the Gems.

Zimbabwe still have another tricky tie against Uganda.

But Makunde feels the Gems should also fight to become a powerhouse on the continent.