Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Netball Association is ramping up preparations for a third straight World Cup appearance, barely weeks after hosting a successful Test Series against Kenya.
Next on the calendar is a tougher challenge. ZINA will welcome Malawi and Botswana for a friendly tournament at the start of October, bringing together a new look Gems side, their development team the Zambezi Eagles, and the two visiting nations. Exact dates will be announced soon, but the squads regroup in the last week of September.
While the 2027 World Cup in Australia remains the ultimate target, these matches form a key part of the build up to the Celtic Cup in Scotland in November and the Africa Cup in Malawi in December.
ZINA technical director John Banda said the friendlies are central to the long-term plan to create a competitive, tactically sharp national team.
“Playing strong sides like Malawi and Botswana allows us to test ourselves on a highly competitive platform,” Banda said.
Malawi, ranked third in Africa behind South Africa and Uganda, provide top-level opposition. Botswana, ranked seventh, are on a promising rebuild that has already shown results. Banda said facing both sides will give the Gems the best possible measure of their progress.
“At these friendlies, our systems will be tested under pressure so we can refine player combinations and expose our athletes to elite match tempo,” he said. “It is not just about winning but also about preparing our players mentally, physically and tactically for forthcoming competitions.”
Banda added that ZINA will track key performance indicators to ensure every player meets the required standards. Tactical execution tops the list, including centre-pass organisation, defensive resets, shooting accuracy and smooth transition play.
“Physically, they are tracking fitness levels, recovery rates and match endurance,” he said. “We will also look at the cultural aspect, reinforcing discipline, team unity and commitment to national duty so every player is expected to show growth across all three areas.”
Lessons from the Kenya Test Series have already reshaped the Gems and Zambezi Eagles squads. Coaches have trimmed the pool to 30 players, 15 per team, from which the final 15 for the Celtic and Africa Cups will come. New faces are in line for promotion as others fight to keep their spots.
