The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
Sports Reporter
NO one appreciates the significance of a better world ranking than Zimbabwe netball team captain Felistus Kwangwa.
One year on since the Gems made an impressive World Cup debut in Liverpool, England, Kwangwa still rues her missed opportunity to move to the United Kingdom’s Vitality Super League.
“It was one of those heartbreaking moments in my life,’’ said Kwangwa.
She was told her move to Surrey Storm could not happen because Zimbabwe was ranked 14th at the time.
The two-time Super League champions were impressed by the goal defender, but league rules prohibit teams from signing foreign players from nations outside the top 12.
And when the message was relayed to Kwangwa, she was disappointed.
“Hi Felistus, unfortunately league rules permit imports from countries in the top 12 only.
“So for this season we wouldn’t be able to have you join us.
“We will monitor you from afar and definitely hope this can happen at some point in the future,” read the message Kwangwa got from a Surrey Storm coach last year.
After missing out on the Surrey jackpot, Zimbabwe’s ranking improved following their World Cup exploits.
The Gems now occupy 12th position on the latest International Netball Federation rankings.
“As a player I can only continue working hard to get better.
“This goes to all the players. How nice would it be to have several Gems in the top leagues,” Kwangwa said.
The Vitality Netball 2020 Super League season has, however, been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The season was halted in March after commencing on February 22.
Only three full rounds and two matches had been played by then.
“It is my wish to find ourselves in the top eight.
“This will pave way for our players to attract teams from the big leagues.’’
Two Most Valuable Player awards, a tournament high of 44 deflections, sixth overall with 18 interceptions are some of Kwangwa’s colourful defensive statistics from that memorable Netball World Cup.
“It is all about hard work and a lot of determination. Looking back, it was one of the biggest achievements in the history of netball in Zimbabwe.
“It was a dream come true for the Gems, who dreamt of playing at netball’s biggest stage.”
Kwangwa says there is more talent from her province (Matabeleland South) and it is only a matter of time before they can also take centre stage.
“I am an inspiration to many girls, especially from Njube, where I grew up.
“There is so much talent in this area, I can tell you, and I urge them to work hard to reach new heights,” said Kwangwa.
