Veronica Gwaze Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE senior netball team, the Gems will be out to redeem themselves and rescue their world rankings when they take part at next month’s Singlife Nations Cup in Singapore.
Scheduled to run between November 29 and December 5 at the OCBC Arena, the four-nation competition will see the Gems battle United Arab Emirates (Europe), Samoa (Oceania) and Malaysia (Asia).
The host nation will field two teams Singapore and Singapore A for the six teams to battle for silverware and more importantly, crucial world ranking points.
For the Nedbank and Caledonia Mining Corporation bankrolled Zimbabwe, the tournament comes at a critical time.
Following a lukewarm showing at the 2027 World Cup Qualifiers-cum-Africa Cup in September, where the Gems suffered shock defeats to lower-ranked Namibia and Kenya, their proud status as Africa’s third-best team is under serious threat.
Currently ranked 11th in the world, Zimbabwe sit just three places above Namibia who are 14th, while Kenya are 21st.
With ranking points “dropped” in those defeats, the Gems are in danger of tumbling down the ladder when World Netball releases its next rankings in January.
But the Singlife Tournament, which is a World Netball-sanctioned ranking event, offers a lifeline.
“We are faced with the risk of dropping on the standings considering that we lost to two lower ranked sides so by taking part at the Singlife Tournament, we may be able to either protect our position or improve,” said ZINA Technical Director John Banda.
“So apart from giving our team the much needed exposure, we are also looking at boosting our rankings which makes our participation at such tournaments very critical.”
Zimbabwe will be desperate to win in Singapore and collect enough points to either hold on to 11th place or climb higher.
On the other hand, they will also be looking to give exposure to their relatively green squad and build confidence ahead of next year’s Africa Cup and the next World Cup qualifying cycle.
Beyond rankings and exposure, it is also about pride.
Once viewed as one of the African powerhouses after back-to-back World Cup appearances in 2019 and 2023, at some point managing to beat giants Uganda and Malawi, the Gems might have lost ground after the recent Qualifiers.
“Since the 2019 world cup, we set the bar high for ourselves and since then we have always had an image to protect,” added Banda.
“So obviously with our performance in Kenya, we dropped a bit and we need to work on that so this is part of our focus.
“With the bigger picture now being the 2027 Africa Cup and then the next World Cup cycle, we need to start doing the preparations promptly and the best way is taking part in such tournaments.”
Head coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki is expected to blend experience with the youthful side that did duty in Kenya.
Tanaka Makusha and Nikkie Mundeya who missed out in the Qualifiers due to injury will also be expected to lead the new generation in restoring Zimbabwe’s reputation.
Christine Kadandara who doubles as a Defender and Shooter, together with Felisitus Kwangwa could also be on their way back to bring the much needed experience.
“While we are keeping the core of the team, some of our senior players who could not be available for the Qualifiers due to injuries and other commitments will be rejoining the team,” added Banda.
“So we will have a blend of youth and experience and we are hoping to come up with a team that can be highly competitive by the time we play in the Africa Cup next year…we need to start preparations now.
“We are taking this tournament seriously because it has a bearing on rankings and also enables us to manage the team more effectively and address specific areas for improvement.”
