Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE arrival of Ugandan Fred Tabale Mugerwa boosted confidence in the Gems’ camp as the Zimbabwe senior netball team intensify their preparations ahead of the 2027 Netball World Cup Qualifiers.
Pencilled to run between September 18 and 26 at Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya, Zimbabwe will battle for one of Africa’s two available slots for the World Cup finals scheduled for next year.
Broadly, the qualifiers run between August and October across five global regions, with a total of 16 teams ultimately participating in the main tournament in Sydney, Australia, next year.
Australia (hosts), New Zealand, Jamaica, England, South Africa and Uganda qualified automatically via world rankings with top two teams from each of the five regional qualifiers advancing to fill the remaining 10 spots.
Mugerwa, the former Uganda national team coach, jetted into the country earlier in the week and is expected to help the Gems with their preparations, in the capacity of a Technical Advisor.
The arrangement runs for an initial three weeks, covering the final preparation camp and the duration of the World Cup qualifiers.
Beyond that, both parties will review the arrangement based on performance and mutual interest of both parties.
Mugerwa is expected to work with Ropafadzo Mutsauki, who retained his post as the head coach, while Tatenda Shinya bounced back into national colours as an assistant.
Zimbabwe Netball Association secretary-general, Racheal Tinorwirashe, confirmed the arrival of Mugerwa, a mentor who is credited for the rise of Ugandan She Cranes to be a dominant powerhouse.
Tinorwirashe said his expertise will be key in the Gems’ quest to book a third successive World Cup participation.
“The coach arrived early this week and he has joined the team in camp; he comes in as a Technical Advisor to the Gems as we intensify our preparation for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers,” she said.
“He brings immense value to our campaign, we seek to tap into his experience and looking at his track record with the She Cranes, we have so much to learn from him.
“Under him, Uganda rose to an all-time high of 5th in the world rankings, clinched the 2018 Africa Netball Championship and delivered historic performances at the Commonwealth Games.”
Mugerwa is fresh from finally winning his first Uganda National Netball Super League title, with KCCA Netball Club after seven seasons of near misses with the club.
“We are confident that his presence will improve our tactical edge and boost player morale during this critical phase,” added Tinorwirashe.
“His intimate knowledge of our current squad, continental rivals and high-pressure tournament play is irreplaceable.”
The Gems have been in a residential training camp in the capital since August 5, with the camp scheduled to run through to September 14.
