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Brighton Zhawi in GABORONE
THE Zimbabwe netball team captain Perpetual Siyachitema believes the Gems are strong contenders for the fifth African Championship starting tomorrow here at the Botswana Netball Courts.

Zimbabwe who have disappointed in recent tournaments will face off against the hosts, Botswana, Zambia who will be playing at the World Cup in Sydney in August, Swaziland and Tanzania for this year’s title.

Inspirational skipper, Siyachitema expressed confidence in her girls that they will be the best-of the-five nations, despite the presence of Zambia and Tanzania who have dominated the Gems in recent meetings.

“So far I think we’re doing fine, everyone is fit we’ve no injuries, the team is playing well,” Siyachitema told our Harare Bureau after yesterday’s training at the University of Botswana courts.

“I strongly feel we’ll make it. I believe in my girls and I definitely believe we’re strong contenders,” said Siyachitema.

She said they have no particular plan against each team, but reiterated they’ll play their “normal game” and emerge victorious.

“Psychologically I think everyone is prepared, there are no any challenges.

“We’re just playing our normal games, Botswana and Zambia, I can’t say they’re difficult opponents, we’re just going to play our game and beat them this time around.”

Meanwhile, Africa Netball will hold its Annual General meeting this morning and tournament fixtures are expected to be released soon after the meeting.