Our #WCW is Nalani Makunde, an AUSTRALIA-based shooter who plays for the Zimbabwe netball team and was part of  the Gems for the first time for the Netball World Cup campaign.

Nalani Makunde was born and raised in Australia to Zimbabwean parents, and many were surprised when she was named in the Gems World Cup squad as she was virtually unknown.

Makunde plays for Capital Darters based in Canberra, in the Australian Netball Championships competition

She also plays for Brisbane South Wildcats in the Hart Sapphire Series in Queensland and is hoping her experience will come in handy in the Gems’ campaign at the World Cup.

The soft-spoken shooter who also plays basketball was delighted to finally represent Zimbabwe.

“I think it was cool and it was a special feeling for me especially to debut against Australia it was like my two countries, so it helped me settle, but it’s good to finally get it over with but I just told myself netball is the same,” said Makunde.