Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S bid for a third straight Netball World Cup appearance received a timely boost in South Africa, where the Zambezi Eagles project delivered exactly what the Gems coaching department wanted to see, proof that the next generation is ready to challenge for places.
After a week of intense competition at the Telkom Netball League’s Power Week Two in Johannesburg, Gems coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki returned home encouraged by both the results and the depth emerging within Zimbabwe’s netball structures.
The Zambezi Eagles, Zimbabwe’s development side, won four of their seven matches against some of South Africa’s strongest provincial and franchise teams, while several players produced performances that strengthened their case for future Gems selection.
With the 2027 Netball World Cup qualifiers looming in Kenya this September, Mutsauki believes Zimbabwe is building momentum at the right time.
“We are impressed with how the team performed at the tournament. This is a platform which brings together South Africa’s best, so winning four out of seven is a welcome performance,” said Mutsauki.
“The team proved to be competitive on a big stage, which is exactly what we were looking for. The exposure is very important as we prepare for the World Cup Qualifiers.
“However, there are some areas that we still need to work on. Our defence still has a lot of work in terms of depth and technique, so we will continue to look into that department.”
The performances of Nicole Muzanenhamo, Prudence Sibanda, and Perisinevi Tabviroona stood-out during the tournament.
Muzanenhamo claimed two Player of the Match awards, while Sibanda and Tabviroona earned one apiece, underlining the value of a programme that was established to bridge the gap between junior development and the senior national team.
Several players within the Zambezi Eagles set-up are already knocking on the Gems’ door.
Muzanenhamo, Sibanda, Tanaka Makusha, and Anifa Luya are all expected to be part of Zimbabwe’s plans for the World Cup qualifiers, while others continue to push their case through consistent performances.
The biggest question remains at the back.
Since the departure of former captain Felisitus Kwangwa, Zimbabwe have been searching for a long-term solution in defence, an area Mutsauki openly admits still requires attention.
For a period, Elizabeth Mushore appeared the natural successor before stepping away on maternity leave. The Harare City Queens defender is expected to return ahead of the qualifiers, while Makate High Flyers defender Kelly Muyambo also remains firmly in contention despite missing the South African assignment through injury.
Their absence created opportunities for younger defenders, with Makusha and Tabviroona among those tasked with showing they can handle the pressure at a higher level.
“We have potential players vying for those positions. The return of Mushore and Muyambo will also create more competition for the spots,” said Mutsauki.
“The more competition we have, the better the quality of defenders we get. We still have a bit of time to work on all that.
“But generally, I feel we have a good team that can win us another ticket to the World Cup. We just need to play our cards right and invest more time in preparations.”
Zimbabwe will head to Kenya in September seeking one of two available African qualification spots.
With South Africa and Uganda already through by virtue of their world rankings, the pathway remains open for the Gems to secure another place among the world’s elite.
For Mutsauki, the encouraging signs extend beyond the current squad.
The Zambezi Eagles project, launched to create a sustainable pipeline into the national team, is beginning to show tangible results.
“When we started the Zambezi Eagles project, the idea was to create a reliable feeder into the senior team, and a year later we are impressed with the outcomes,” he said.
“Some players have graduated into the Gems while others are still being developed, and, at this stage, I believe we have the legs to take us to the World Cup.
“Scouting does not stop. More players will come into the Zambezi team as others graduate into the Gems, so we are not shutting out any players.”
The prize awaiting Zimbabwe is significant.
Qualification for Australia 2027 would see the Gems become the first Zimbabwean team in any sport to qualify for three successive World Cups, while the Zimbabwe Netball Association would add another landmark achievement to a journey that continues to redefine what is possible for the country’s women athletes.
