The Sunday Mail
Veronica Gwaze
GEMS head coach Lloyd Makunde has a lot to ponder over in the next couple of weeks.
With 26 days left before the Vitality Netball World Cup kicks off, the schedule for the biennial tournament has since been released and the Gems open their account with a tie against Sri Lanka at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England, on July 12. The Gems then face 11-time defending Champions Australia in their second match before finishing off with Northern Ireland on the third day of the tournament.
However, while Makunde is likely to stick with most of the players who featured in their qualifying campaign last year, he has also brought in a couple of new faces in a bid to get more experienced hands.
Among these are the likes of Progress Moyo, Tafadzwa Mavango, Stembile Chitiva, Sharleen Makusha, Lorraine Manjoro, Adelaide Muskwe and Beauty Sithole.
“The older players have the much needed experience and the goal will be to have them complement the new players.
“So far, they have gelled very well, playing in the friendlies,” he said.
“Our team is shaping up well and we are looking forward to coming up with the finest 14 in the end,” said Makunde.
Makunde has also narrowed down his strategy for each opponent.
Against Sri-Lanka, the Gems seek to capitalize on cutting supply to their opponent’s goal shooter Sethukavalar Elilenthiniw who currently stand roughly 1, 93 meters tall.
Ranked 25th in the world, Sri- Lanka will be appearing at World Cup for the 10th time.
“Elilenthini is very tall, she does not have to dodge and all their shooting and center third passes are aimed at her.
“The only way we can survive is by tightening our midfield and cutting that supply,” he said.
Silent killer Felistas Kwangwa, known for her defensive skills, will be crucial in executing this strategy.
Then against favorites Australia, Makunde said his charges need to be highly mobile.
“Australia does not have tall players and it is an advantage to us, so we simply need to be fast.
“During our friendly matches, despite not picking wins, our mid court performed well and I am sure we will give our opponents a good run,” said Makunde.
Aiding Makunde’s plight are captain Perpetua Siyachitema and Ndaizivei Madzikangava, who both have the much needed speed and confidence.
The same could be said against Northern Ireland, who will be making their 15th appearance
“Every team is a threat so we are not writing them off. We need to be at our best for a positive result.
“We need intimidating players so that we frustrate them and pounce,” said Makunde.
Goal keeper Rudo Karume could be one of the major inclusions against Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland have a solid defense with goal keeper Gemma Gibney, but Makunde believes in his midcourt players for adequate supply to the goal shooters.
Despite Progress Moyo being a recent introduction, she has excellent shots and confidence, thereby making her good, just like Mukwadi and Ndlovu.
The trio are highly mobile but the big question is – who will be entrusted with the goal attacker bib?
“I feel we are not far from the international play but we need to play our cards right.
“As for the GA bib, this is the time for them to prove who the best is.
“No one is guaranteed of a position on the first seven but whoever will get it simply needs to prove that they deserve it,” Makunde said.
