Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Netball Association are considering bringing former Uganda national team coach Fred Mugerwa into the Gems technical set-up as a consultant after assistant coach Tapiwa Chirenda joined World Cup qualifying rivals Kenya.
Zimpapers Sports Hub understands Mugerwa is available for the assignment as Zimbabwe prepares to chase one of Africa’s two places at the 2027 Netball World Cup.
Mugerwa guided the She Cranes to fifth place at the 2023 World Cup in Cape Town, Uganda’s best finish at the global tournament.
ZINA believe his international experience could strengthen a technical bench now comprising head coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki and returning assistant Tatenda Shinya following Chirenda’s move to Kenya.
“It is an idea which came up while the association was drafting a blueprint on how best to package its preparations for the big contest,” said a source.
At least 25 players regrouped last week for a five-week camp ahead of the African qualifier, which will run in Kenya from September 19 to 26.
The Gems are expected to leave for Kenya around September 14.
Zimbabwe will battle Malawi, Kenya, Namibia, Eswatini, Botswana and Zambia for the two places available at the World Cup in Sydney, Australia. Australia qualified automatically as hosts, while New Zealand, Jamaica, England, South Africa and Uganda secured the five places determined by the World Netball rankings.
The Gems are seeking a third successive World Cup appearance after competing at the 2019 tournament in Liverpool and the 2023 edition in Cape Town.
With resources permitting, ZINA are also considering sending the Gems to either South Africa or Uganda for a training camp involving matches against women’s and men’s national teams and leading local clubs.
Captain Felisitus Kwangwa is expected to return and strengthen the defensive end, while Elizabeth Mushore is back after maternity leave. Goal shooter Thandazile Ndhlovu and mid-court player Faith Mutero, both of Correctional Queens, are undergoing Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service training before taking up posts as prison officers. Defenders Tanaka Makusha and Nikkie Mundeya will join camp later as they recover from injuries suffered at the recent Find the Ball tournament in Botswana.
ZINA will name the final squad before the team’s departure for Kenya.
