The Sunday Mail
Veronica Gwaze
Are you are a woman and in the region of 2m in height? If you are, then your nation needs you.
The Zimbabwe Netball Association is on the hunt for tall women as they seek to come up with a strong squad for next year’s Netball World Cup in England.
“Listen up netball lovers! Are you Zimbabwean, 1,9m+ tall or know of someone really tall? Get in touch with Zina,” says the association in advert themed “Taking netball back to the community”.
Zina president Leticia Chipandu said the search for tall women was the brainchild of the Gems technical team.
“We have always had very good players, albeit short, but as we prepare for the World Cup it’s important that we capitalize on issues such as height,” said Chipandu.
“The coaches have asked us to search all corners of the country for tall girls and as an association we have gone all out in search of the girls. Our major crisis is in defense because most teams use tall Goal Shooters. We have to get tall defenders if we are to make an impact at the World Cup.”
The Zina boss explained that select coaches would tour provinces to polish any rough potential Gems.
“The response so far has been very encouraging, we already have a list of aspiring players and many more are still coming. The door is still open.
“The best among the players we are recruiting will then be recommended for the national team for further training,” said Chipandu.
Gems head coach Lloyd Makunde reiterated that a tall defence was key to a successful World Cup campaign.
“Looking at a team like Sri Lanka, they’ve got tall players, especially the goal shooter, so it’s important that we have an equally tall defence,” he said.
“Admittedly there is little time between now and the World Cup but we need to do all we can to prepare.
“Hopefully we will get a few good players from this search. Obviously the camp we will have will determine if the girls will be ready for the World Cup or we reserve them for the next tournaments.”
With eight months to go before the global showcase, Zimbabwe’s Gems will fine-tune their act at next month’s Diamond Cup in South Africa.
