Ready, set, go!

Mqondisi Dube | Friday July 7, 2017 17:55

 

The four year wait has come to a gratifying end; Botswana will make history as the first world netball competition roars into life on African soil.

Twenty teams from around the globe will battle for the ultimate prize, and Botswana’s young and energetic girls, Dinaletsana are part of the equation.

They are ready to make the nation proud. Locals are expected to throng the two venues at the UB and the Ditshupo Hall to scream on top of their voices as the starlets display their talent, putting into practice what they learnt following gruelling sessions which took them to South Africa, Australia and Singapore.

It is a daunting task for the local team, up against the World’s best, with the first match for Dinaletsana at 8pm tomorrow immediately after the official opening.

Botswana face powerhouse, Malaysia, but earlier in the day, there are matches featuring Sri Lanka against Scotland, defending champions, New Zealand up against Northern Ireland while Africa’s other representative, Zimbabwe face Australia.

The third Africa representative, South Africa play Barbados. Jamaica tackle Cook Island while Fiji play Trinidad & Tobago. England and Wales play at 2pm, before the official opening ceremony at 6pm.

New Zealand would be the team to watch as they go into the tournament as defending champions, but face real competition from nemesis, Australia who have four titles since 1988.

New Zealand have three titles and would want to draw level with their bitter rivals with success in Gaborone.

Africa will pin its hopes on the hosts, Botswana, neighbours, South Africa and Zimbabwe, as well as Uganda.

Botswana had a lacklustre tournament in the qualifiers last year, but have stepped up preparations, and nerves aside, the young girls are expected to put up a spirited fight in front of a partisan crowd.

The tournament runs from tomorrow until next week Sunday, when, after 69games, the 70th match would decide the 2017 champions at the UB indoor arena. Botswana’s name will forever be etched in the annals of world netball and an enduring legacy created.