The Sunday Mail
Veronica Gwaze
ZIMBABWE Under-18 netball coach Simbarashe Mlambo has a knack for identifying and nurturing young talent, and believes he has something big brewing in his squad.
His charges will be tested at the upcoming African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region Five Youth Games, which run from December 2 to December 12 in Maseru, Lesotho.
Mlambo’s squad is largely made up of debutants.
“The girls are excited! It is a first national team cap for most of them, so they are raring to go.
“Hopefully this could be a career-changing moment for them, so they are giving it their all because they obviously want to prove a point,” he said.
The team is currently focusing on combinations, physical and mental fitness ahead of the games.
“They are improving by the day. We are also trying to get the team to speak one language, so generally they are doing fine and gradually growing into one big family.
“The morale is high in camp and as coaches, we are trying to make do with what we have, although we would have loved to have a larger pool of players, but all the same, we are happy.”
Recently, the senior team, the Gems, brought home bronze from the Pent Series, and Mlambo feels that has somewhat set a bar for the junior side.
Zimbabwe face South Africa in their opening match.
“Their big sisters have been doing very well, so the bar is high already and we need to fit in.
“Given the circumstances, I want them to be mentally prepared for what they are going to face. Playing South Africa in the first game then watching Lesotho play Malawi is going to be a lot demanding for them emotionally.
“They need the mental aptitude, physical stamina has to be on point and there is definitely no room for complacency in this situation.”
Mlambo, who is also the Platinum Queens and Pamushana High school coach, is demanding teamwork from his charges.
However, considering that Zimbabwe are only returning to competitive action after a two-year Covid-19-induced sabbatical while most countries have been in action, they are also treading with caution.
“Inasmuch as we are satisfied, there is a lot of uncertainty. Sport is sport and young players need time to gel and acclimatise.
“They will need to stick to the gameplan, and that way, a positive result is guaranteed.
“I just want them to go and enjoy themselves, take this as a platform to gain experience and make it a stepping stone in their careers,” Mlambo said.
