Gems begin road to 2027 Netball World Cup

Innocent Kurira, Zimpapers Sports Hub

ZIMBABWE’S preparations for the 2027 Netball World Cup have begun in earnest, with the Zimbabwe Netball Association (Zina) launching a high intensity training camp in Harare.

The camp sets the tone for a crucial run that includes the Africa Netball Championships in Malawi this December, a tournament that doubles as a World Cup qualifier.

More than 40 players have converged at Harare Girls High School, where members of the senior national team, the Gems, are training alongside the Zambezi Eagles, the development side. The camp, which began over the weekend, is designed to sharpen combinations, strengthen team chemistry, and give players vital match exposure ahead of a packed international schedule.

Both squads will be trimmed to 15 players each as Zimbabwe prepares for two key assignments: the Celtic Cup in Scotland this November and the Africa Netball Championships. The Gems will also host an international friendly against Kenya from August 26 to 30 as part of their build up.

Head coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki, working with assistant Perpetua Siyachitema, is using the sessions to test player pairings and evaluate overall readiness. Team manager Agnes Chiroodza is handling logistics for the Gems, while Delphine Gurupira leads the Zambezi Eagles.

Recent results have lifted expectations. The Gems claimed victories against South African sides Limpopo Baobabs, North West Flames and champions Free State Crinums, before securing a bronze medal at the last Celtic Cup in Scotland and posting strong performances at the Africa Netball Cup in Namibia.

The Zambezi Eagles, meanwhile, gained valuable experience earlier this year in South Africa’s Telkom Netball League, where they faced top tier opposition from Uganda, Eswatini and Malawi.

Zina acknowledged the role of its long time sponsor, Nedbank Zimbabwe, in making these preparations possible. “As preparations for the upcoming international fixtures continue, we extend our appreciation to Nedbank Zimbabwe, our anchor sponsor, for their ongoing investment in sports development and steadfast support of our national teams,” the association said in a statement.

Details of the friendly against Kenya, including the venue and schedule, are expected to be confirmed in the coming days.