The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi Sports Reporter
VETERAN national netball player Miriam Mwangeyi has vowed to play her heart out in Zimbabwe’s bid to qualify for its first ever World Cup in Australia next year.The best two countries at next month’s Africa Netball Championships in Botswana will join Malawi and South Africa at the World Cup in Sydney.
Still going strong at the age of 40, Mwangeyi reckons Zimbabwe has been presented with a grand opportunity to compete with the world’s best teams.
“I believe we have a great chance to qualify for the World Cup. Doing so will be a great achievement for our country and as a senior player I am ready to give it my all.
“However, we need to be serious with our game because it won’t be any easy tournament. There is need for maximum effort and am sure no one has a guaranteed place in the team, it has to be earned,” said Mwangeyi, whose career spans nearly two decades.
The ZDF forward player, popular for her “no-look” passes, makes a mockery of her age when she steps onto the court.
“I work hard, that’s the secret . . . every day I go for a jog so that I keep fit. Age is nothing but a number,” she said.
The Zimbabwe Gems are expected to troop into camp this week ahead of the tourney, which runs from September 14-20 in Gaborone.
“A month-long camp would have been great, but nevertheless I believe our coaches have a plan in place,” said Mwangeyi, who has made three appearances at the African Championships.
Zimbabwe squad:
Perpetual Siyachitema, Paidamoyo Tinoza, Progress Kufa, Daphine Agere, Miriam Mwangeyi, Besta Harrison, Emma Chidziva, Sheila Manyatera, Ndaizivei Madzikangava, Yvonne Madzikangava, Clara Gumbo, Patience Chinhoyi, Pauline Mutandwa, Tafadzwa Mawango, Felistus Kwangwa, Caroline Musemwa, Beverly Chipadza, Drowless Rukayinga, Sindia Kusechu, Nomatter, Changata, Paidamoyo Pedzisai , Winnie Dube, Sharon Bwanali, Cythia Gamuchirai, Rudo Karume.
