Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze in NAIROBI, Kenya
WITH just two days left to the start of their 2027 Netball World Cup Qualifiers opener, Zimbabwe feel they have prepared enough to keep their dream of a third successive appearance at the global showcase alive.
The Nedbank-bankrolled Gems have set base in Nairobi, Kenya, where they join nine other nations for the crucial African Qualifiers, which double as the African Championships.
Only eight of the 10 nations will be fighting for the two available World Cup tickets after South Africa and Uganda earned automatic qualification for being ranked amongst the world’s top six.
The tournament gets underway on Saturday when Zimbabwe face Botswana while the final is pencilled for September 26.
Zimbabwe linked up with Technical Advisor Fred Mugerwa yesterday, after the Ugandan gaffer left Zimbabwe earlier than the team to pass through his home country.
Speaking after their first training yesterday, Gems captain Progress Moyo was buoyant, and she believes that in the month-long training camp, the team built a strong foundation for the qualifiers.
“I think at this stage we are thoroughly prepared for the big battle after a gruelling month of preparations,” she said.
“It has not been an easy journey, but one made up of sweat, tears and determination, and finally the tournament is here, and we are ready to reap the rewards.”
In the past week, there has generally been some increased spotlight for the Gems with Zimbabweans rallying behind the team as they wound up their preparations.
While they celebrated, scrutiny on the team selection was also a major talking point on the “new look” outfit.
Moyo, who was part of the team that made a historic World Cup debut at the competition in Liverpool in 2019, understands the anxiety at this stage and the importance of remaining focused on the task at hand.
“We learnt a lot during the preparations and eventual World Cup appearance back in 2019; the attention can be too much, and if we are not careful, we get carried away,” she said.
“Criticism, we learnt, is part of the journey, while at some times the fans are full of praise, so as a team we need to understand all those situations and dynamics and keep cool heads .
“This time we have youngsters, some of whom are here for the first or second time, so it is important that we help each other to stay on the same page psychologically and not lose concentration.”
Coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki added that in the past weeks when they were in camp, the technical team have been hammering on the need for them to sharpen their defensive department.
Mutsauki has been to the World Cup thrice in Zimbabwean colours.
He led the Young Gems to the global showcase in Botswana as head coach in 2017 before making his debut for the senior contest in Liverpool in 2019 as an assistant to Lloyd Makunde.
In 2023, he took over the hot seat when the World Cup was staged in Cape Town, and now he eyes a personal milestone of a fourth appearance.
The veteran coach told Zimpapers Sports Hub that his youthful squad has made remarkable progress and they are in the perfect shape for the jamboree.
“I am impressed with what we as the technical team have seen so far; everything is in order, and the rookies have adjusted well, so we now wait for the first whistle to blow,” he said.
“The preparations have been smooth; at least we got enough of what we needed, thanks to benefactor Nedbank, who made sure we are well catered for.
“Physically and mentally, the team is in good shape while communication and coordination among the girls is solid.”
Mutsauki’s youthful squad will also be looking to bank on height as much as they will on their agility.
