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Brighton Zhawi in GABORONE, Botswana
YOUNG Gems coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki expects his team to consolidate their good start to the Africa Netball World Youth Cup qualifiers at the University of Botswana.

Zimbabwe cruised to wins over Zambia and Namibia in this eight-team round-robin tournament.

They face winless Lesotho in their third match today.

“It is a very good start to the tournament. It will motivate players as the tournament progresses.

“We have to maintain the winning spirit in every match, especially the tougher ones to come,” said Mutsauki.

Zimbabwe began their campaign with a comfortable 46-24 over Zambia and capped off a good day with a 38-20 victory over winless Namibia.

Mutsauki wants the winning form to continue when they face struggling Lesotho side today.

“We take every game seriously,” Mutsauki said.

“There is no room to relax and against Lesotho we have to come out all guns blazing,” he said.

Lesotho have been everyone’s punching bag, losing 11-81 to Malawi, were beaten 10-62 by the hosts Botswana and then received an 89-4 mauling at the hands of giants South Africa.

The top three teams from this tournament will join hosts Botswana to represent Africa at 2017 World Youth Cup in Gaborone.