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EAM SD BAGS BRONZE IN AFRICA NETBALL CHAMPS

02/07/2015 00:58:00 BY ASHMOND NZIMA

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(In Gaborone, Botswana)

GABORONE – The country’s national netball side have defied all odds to win bronze in the Africa Netball Championships.

Despite looking over their shoulders for the better part of the tournament, eventual runners-up, Zambia did the national side a huge favour by beating fellow bronze medallist hopefuls, Botswana by 51-42 in the last match of the championships late yesterday.

The latter finished fourth with three points, a point behind Swaziland as they needed to beat the heavyweights at the Botswana Netball Association Courts. Players and officials danced and celebrated wildly at the sound of the umpire’s final whistle after a nerve wrecking wait for their fate.

This is the country’s senior national side’s first podium finish in the tournament launched about five years ago.
Skipper Tengetile Dzimba dedicated the success to Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, David ‘Cruiser’ Ngcamphalala, who threw his office’s full weight behind the team on departure last Thursday.

“It’s a turning point. We have to maintain this standard or do even better.” Coach Thobile Nzama thanked all stakeholders that contributed to the team’s good showing but was quick to say the result was a reminder to work even harder.

“Countries like Zambia prepare for months. We need more time in training to ensure continuity. We only had 21 days to drill the team.
I would like to thank my family and everyone for support. It’s been a long journey and this medal is for my 10-month old daughter I’ve left at home.”

National Netball Association of Swaziland (NNAS) President, Mandisa Sigudla, was also speechless after the achievement.
“It’s the greatest achievement. We’ve to put more effort.”

In first place were Zimbabwe while Zambia earned a silver medal. The tournament ended with a low key grand closing at the Botswana Netball Association Courts outside Gaborone.