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Veronica Gwaze

Sports Reporter

THE national Under-21 netball team were fortunate to make it to the semifinals at the ongoing World Netball Youth Cup Qualifiers in Pretoria, South Africa despite falling 41-42 to perennial rivals Malawi, yesterday.  

The Young Gems maintained third position on the log standings following Namibia’s defeat  to Zambia earlier yesterday.

South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia will be battling for the three World Youth Cup tickets.

The Young Gems will be facing Zambia in the semifinals today in a match that they approach as favourites after beating the old foes 42-37 in the preliminary round games.

Namibia and Kenya will face off for positions five and six.

However, yesterday was a tough day for the Young Gems who walked into the match without any changes to their previous line up.

Thandiwe Mashore and Nikki Mundeya had to guard the team from the back while Ruvimbo Pawandiwa and Thandazile Ndlovu took care of the shooting ring.

It was a tightly contested battle from the onset with Malawi leading 23-20 by half time.

Returning from the breather, the Zimbabweans regained their confidence to win turnovers, and at some point led by three goals.

However, Malawi proved too strong as they rallied to win.

Mundeya was crowned the player of the match.

Head Coach Tapiwa Chirenda paid tribute to his team for putting up a good fight and securing a semifinal spot.

“We knew it was going to be tough, they have always been a tough opponent for us and I am happy with how the girls fought.

“They showed some character, it was very tough going in some instances but I am happy because they did not succumb to the pressure.

“You could tell that their mental aptitude was up there, the way they were taking instruction and even pushing each other speaks volumes.”

Chirenda is excited that they made it to the semifinals.

However, he notes that they need to be wary of their opponents and avoid being complacent if they are to win.

“I am happy and excited that we made it into the semi finals because this is exactly what we wanted,” he said.

“However, the fact that we beat them in the preliminary round should not make us too comfortable, we need to bring our A-game and secure a global showcase qualification.”