Gems running out of time

Charmaine Chasweka

THE Zimbabwe senior netball team is racing against time.

The Gems must start preparations for the Africa Netball Championships set for October 18-22 in Cape Town, South Africa.

Gems’ coach, Lloyd Makunde could not confirm as to when they will start their preparations.

“I’m not yet sure when we are getting into camp, I will only know who is in the squad and who is not when I know the dates,” Makunde said.

The Gems have not regrouped since their return from the Vitality Netball World Cup that was held in July in Liverpool, England, where they made a spectacular appearance and finished on 8th position.

At last year’s African Championships, the Gems finished third as South Africa did not take part and will have everything to fight for in this year’s edition to maintain their position.

The Gems will be traveling to Cape Town without three experienced players who announced their retirement soon after the World Cup.

There is also uncertainty over the availability of foreign based players such as goal-shooter Joyce Takaidza and Adelaide Muswe.

Meanwhile, other countries have since started their preparations for the biggest African netball tournament.

Malawi have included star player, Mwai Kamwenda, who missed the World Cup due to injury.

Some of the countries that have started training are Uganda and Namibia.