The return of Kwangwa

29 Jul, 2018 - 00:07 0 Views
The return of Kwangwa

The Sunday Mail

Veronica Gwaze
INFLUENTIAL Zimbabwe Senior Netball Team Goal Defender Felistas Kwangwa pledges to mark her return to the Gems in style by winning African Championships slated for August 13-18 in Zambia.

The Championships also serve as qualifiers for the 2019 World Cup finals in England. A knee injury has kept Kwangwa on the sidelines, with the 22-year-old key player having last featured for the Gems at the 2017 African Netball championships in Uganda.

For seven months Kwangwa has been in rehabilitation that has helped her see her return from what could have been a career ending injury.

“When I got injured, I thought it was not serious only to be told by the orthopedic surgeon that my ligaments were torn and it would take me some time to be back on the pitch.

“If ever I was to return, that is,” said Kwangwa For a moment, Kwangwa said she thought her career was over but with determination she worked her way back to the pitch.

“For me, this tournament is a very difficult task after such a long time out; but from the competition that is in the camp right now, I am very optimistic that we are going there to make history,” says Kwangwa.

The GD who also defends for 2017 Netball Super League champions, Correctional Queens, said although there is a lot of pressure from the talent that is in camp, she believes her return to the Gems came at the right time.

“I came back at the most crucial time; as we are preparing for a fight to qualify for the highest rated tournament simultaneously making history for the nation and am prepared to make history together with my team.

The lethal defender said she will use the tournament to bring the best of Kwangwa to the team although it is not about personal glory to her.

“Everyone is under a lot of pressure right now and as we proceed for the tournament, it is not personal glory that we seek but a strong combination of personal pressures that will produce a solid team.”

In search for the best combinations, the coaches have brought into camp some new faces which has brought in more pressure to the players as they defend their positions.

“This time coaches have brought in some new talent and we ought to feel the pressure but it is that pressure that will make the competition a lot easier.”

“I was part of the under 21 team that qualified for the Under 21 World Cup that was held in Botswana in 2017 and I believe the experience I gained from playing at that level will help me this time.

“I still have to earn my spot through hard work and qualifying with the senior national team is what I dream of,” said Kwangwa.

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