The Sunday Mail
Veronica Gwaze in South Africa
THE Zimbabwe senior netball team began their tour of South Africa on a rather unfortunate note, slumping to a 41-50 defeat to the SA Spar Smileys.
In a match that could have been remembered for goal defender Felistas Kangwa’s heroics, the rest of the team conspired to betray all her hard work and toil
The Spar Smileys dominated right from the first minute to give the Gems a scare, only for Kangwa to spoil their great start with some stellar defensive work.
Her task was made all the more difficult by the Gems attackers who failed to utilise their chance and were often found guilty of way too many unforced errors.
Kwangwa, who was crowned player of the match pocketing R3000, felt the Gems could have won had they avoided those unforced errors.
“ I believe the award came as a result of team effort because stepping on court everyone wants to be in the best possible form for the team,” she said.
In a first quarter that had both sides fighting for a fair share, the Gems shooters utilized few of their chances, and were left to rue the decision to bench renowned Shooter Pauline Jani.
Sharon Bwanali and Goal Attacker Ursula Ndlovu who both turn out for Harare City Queens were in form, converting 99% of chances that came their way, resulting in the team trailing 11-14 at the end of first quarter.
After the first breather, the homeside’s shooters went on a feeding frenzy in which by the 11th minute they led by 6 scores but the Gems upped their game narrowing the gap to 23-21 by half time.
Roping in Jani and Centre Lorraine Manjoro at halftime, the Gems snatched all Centre passes to equalize by the18th minute. Feeling the pressure, Smileys Head coach Dorette Badenhorst called for substitution inside 36 minutes hoping to give curb Jani’s command on the game. The substitutions worked, as the home side cruised to an easy victory.
“We panicked a lot at the end there and this game will probably serve as a reality check going forward,” said Kangwa. “We now know our weaknesses and hope to work on them before the next game. “ In terms of technique, endurance and tactics we are good, save for mistakes that need us to go back to the drawing board,” said Kwangwa.
