Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S Gems will face seven African rivals in Nairobi next month as they chase a place at a third successive Netball World Cup.
The Sydney 2027 African qualifiers will run from September 19-26 at Kasarani Indoor Arena alongside the Africa Netball Cup, with Zimbabwe also represented in the women’s continental competition and the men’s tournament.
Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria complete the eight-team World Cup qualifying field.
After making their World Cup debut in Liverpool in 2019, the Gems returned for the 2023 finals in Cape Town. They will now attempt to extend that run in Nairobi.
The women’s Africa Cup will feature 10 countries, with South Africa and Uganda joining the eight nations involved in the World Cup qualifiers.
Zimbabwe’s men will face defending champions South Africa, hosts Kenya, Uganda, Botswana, Malawi and Eswatini for the continental title.
South Africa will arrive as the team to beat after their domestic programme and increased international exposure strengthened the men’s national side.
The Nairobi competition will bring Africa’s leading women’s and men’s teams together for eight days, with World Cup places and continental honours at stake. — Zimpapers Sports Hub/ AFP Sport.
