GABORONE - The Young Gems begin their Africa Netball World Youth Cup Qualifiers campaign with a tricky double header at against rivals Zambia and Namibia Botswana University on Monday.

Zimbabwe is amongst the seven nations fighting for a top three position finish that will determine who joins hosts Botswana at the Netball World Youth Cup in 2017.

The tournament begins tomorrow but Zimbabwe’s quest for a berth at the global showpiece begins on day two of the competition.

Zimbabwe’s head coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki is aiming for a positive start from his team.

“The girls are looking sharp and ready,” said Mutsauki after their first training session yesterday.

“We have good time to prepare ourselves for the two matches and I believe most of the work we covered back home now it’s matter of implementing and obviously adjusting in one or two areas,” he said.

Swaziland, who were initially Zimbabwe’s first opponents, pulled out of the competition, leaving South Africa, Lesotho, Zambia, Namibia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Uganda and hosts Botswana as the participating teams.

“It’s sad they (Swaziland) are no longer coming,” continued Mutsauki.

“We will remain focused and that is very important at tournaments.

“It is also crucial to take each game as it comes and we will do that,” said Mutsauki.

Young Gems captain Felistus Kwangwa said her girls are in great spirits and are keen to emulate the form that led them to the Region V Games glory.

“We are all having a good time,” said Kwangwa.

“This what we have been waiting for and we will give it our all to win gold.

“It is a great thing that we are mostly the same players that won gold at the Region V games so I believe we can repeat that,” she said.

Zimbabwe squad: Sharon Bwanali, Chido Chiwenga, Sitembile Chitiva,Mercy Mukwadi, Lynette Tanhira, Nomagugu Makhalima, Vimbainashe Chirinda, Ropafadzo Muhwira, Patricia Mulaudi, Felistus Kwangwa, Prisca Chinyama, Sanele Ncube, Eunice Nyasaland.