The Zimbabwe Netball Gems eased to a 49-35 victory over Swaziland to begin their African Championship campaign on a positive note at the Botswana Netball Courts on Monday.

Backed by a youthful but solid defence and a swift mid, the Gems proved too much to their opponents who were in high spirits after stunning hosts, Botswana in their opening match.

Although Zimbabwe’s shooting was not as sharp as expected, the team did enough to record a crucial win.

The Gems were in a good start inspired by the defense trio of Tatenda Dziva (goal keeper), Felistus Kwangwa (goal defender) and wing defense Yvonne Madzikangava who made some brilliant interceptions to quell the Swazi forays.

That defensive effort was brilliantly supported by outstanding midcourt play, with energetic Ndaizivei Madzikangava a cut above the rest.

The Nehanda center player unfurled some incisive passing which were however not fully utilized by a rather off shooting.

But Zimbabwe had done enough to claim the opening set 12-7.

They maintained their lead with the shooting duo of Paidamoyo Tinoza and Pauline Jani improved under the hoop and also on opening up space in the arc.

Swaziland were so subdued that their sharp shooting star Khathwane Jabulisile was rarely in action as her mid struggled to keep the ball.

They were forced into a series of errors and it was not surprising they went into the main breather 12-26 down.

But they briskly began the third stanza with improved marking getting that won them turnovers.

zim team netball at African Champs

They scored four unanswered goals in a rare good spell inspired by Nlamisile Dlamini introduced for Sebenzile Nxumalo at goal attack.

Swaziland maintained their momentum to reduce the gap to 10, but a wrist injury to Zimbabwe’s wing defence Yvonne Madzikangava, killed that momentum as Zimbabwe returned to extend lead.

They went into the decider comfortably leading 37-22.

The Swazis had another good start in the fourth stanza forcing their opponents, who were showing signs of tiredness, to lose position easily.

But Swaziland’s efforts came late as Zimbabwe did well to maintain their lead to eventually take the match.

Zimbabwe head coach Ledwin Dondo was happy with the win praising her defense for a good display.

“I am very pleased, because Swaziland is now a very improved side so I am so happy that we have beaten them by a wide margin,” she said.

“We worked on our defence and I am happy they listened and put up a great performance,” said Dondo.

Her counterpart Thobile Nzama admitted they were second best.

“Zimbabwe were good, fast and sharp.

“They were more accurate with their passes and going into spaces and they punished us.

“My girls played well, they didn’t give up, they were spirited until the end, which is important to us since we have new players,” she said.

Zimbabwe will have a double header playing against Botswana before taking on Zambia on Tuesday.

If we can keep it like this we will our matches.

We have four shooter it’s up to us decide on our shooting, but we are going to work on it.

We pulled out our captain so that she can rest with tomorrow’s two matches in mind.

It’s now history, we are going to challenge them and our target is obviously to win against them.

Zambia, we are going to play our best against Zambia