Gem girl hails Africa cup tourney

25 Oct, 2019 - 00:10 0 Views

The ManicaPost

Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent
MUTARE born netball star Claris Kwaramba who was part of the Zimbabwe Netball Team,  at the just ended Africa Netball Cup in South Africa says her inclusion in the squad has motivated her to be a better player.

The Gems finished fourth at a tournament that featured seven countries.

Hosts South Africa were crowned the 2019 Africa Netball Cup winners after winning all their matches. Malawi were second and Uganda third.

They lost two points for missing their opening match which was awarded to Uganda on a 60-0 score line before losing 69-39 to hosts South Africa in their second match. They recovered to dismiss Kenya 68-35, Lesotho 79-22 and Zambia 57-51.

The Gems ended their campaign on a losing note when they went down 46-71 to Malawi on Tuesday.

Their participation at the continental showpiece has been marred with some confusion and poor planning by the Zimbabwe Netball Association that led to the team failing to arrive in Cape Town in time for their opening encounter against Uganda on Friday and they were walked over.

Despite their disappointing show, Kwaramba feels the stint in South Africa was stepping stone to greater things in future.

“Travelling with the team to South Africa gave me confidence. It made me bold to face great players from other nations,” said the Platinum Queens defender.

She said her best game was against Malawi.

“My best game was against Malawi. I gave it my all.  My worst game was against South Africa. I was scared of marking Bongiwe Msomi who plays in England and l was tired. We had travelled the previous day,” she said.

Kwaramba did her primary level at Tsvingwe Primary before enrolling at Tsvingwefor her secondary education. She then transferred to Pamushana Mission while doing form 3. She is currently studying Law at the University of Zimbabwe.

She said she started playing netball while doing grade six.

“I started playing netball in 2011 while doing grade six at Tsvingwe Primary School. I was forced to play the game because of my height. I used to play handball,” she said.

She said she draws inspiration from Jamaican star Shamera Sterling.

“My role model   is Jamaican star Shamera Sterling. I think if I continue with the national team I will gain the confidence that I want. I want to continue working hard so that I become one of the best players in the country,” she said.

Kwaramba feels a lot needs to be done in Zimbabwe to improve the sport.

“ I think a lot needs to be done in our country. We need better facilities for our sport to do well. We need indoor courts. Everywhere we go, we use indoor courts. I think we need them in Zimbabwe since there are the ones we use in big tournaments,” she said.

Shealso disclosed that playing at the  2019 World Cup was the high point of her  netball career.

“Being part of the world cup squad was my greatest moment as a player. It is the dream of every player to represent their country at the World Cup. I was happy because I played all the matches at the world cup. All this games are so still fresh in my memories,” she said.

Her dream is to play in England.

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