Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Netball Association have gathered the Gems for a five-week training camp as preparations for the 2027 World Cup qualification campaign gather momentum.
Africa’s edition of the Netball World Cup Qualifiers is scheduled for Kenya from September 19-26.
Zimbabwe’s target is to secure one of Africa’s two slots for the 16-team show-piece in Australia next year, and the Gems regrouped in Harare early this week. The camp becomes the final stretch towards the World Cup Qualifiers.
With 10 of the 16 places of the most prestigious netball contest still up for grabs, Africa will have two slots available from the continental championships.
ZINA drew at least 20 players into a camp scheduled to run for five weeks, culminating in departure for Kenya around September 14.
The squad will be trimmed to only the players who will feature in the qualifiers.
“So far everything is going well, most of the players are already in camp while about five are on other assignments and yet to come,” said technical director John Banda.
“The technical team have drafted a plan for how our five weeks will go, and their wish list is our top priority.”
Top six teams on World Netball Rankings automatically qualify to compete at the World Cup. Hosts, Australia, have already qualified for the global showcase alongside New Zealand, England, Jamaica, South Africa and Uganda.
To determine the remaining 10 nations to participate at the 16-team World Cup tourney, five regional qualifiers will take place, with the top two nations from each qualifier earning a slot. With South Africa and Uganda already in the World Cup, Zimbabwe will have to battle it out for a slot against Africa Cup hosts Kenya, Malawi, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Eswatini and Lesotho.
Zimbabwe will have to brace for a stern assignment, especially if they are entertaining hopes of going past “The Queens” of Malawi.
Malawi have six World Cup appearances and based on their recent Commonwealth performance where they finished seventh out 13 sides, they look to be the team to beat.
The Gems will travel to the qualifiers without veterans — Shooter Sharon Bwanali and Mid Court star Claris Kwaramba.
Bwanali and Kwaramba, surviving members of Zimbabwe’s 2019 World Cup show will be away on maternity leave.
But the return of Defender Elizabeth Mushore should be a boost for the Gems in their quest to thwart Malawi.
“We welcome Mushore and Kelly Muyambo, who missed the Telkom League due to injury . . . their presence will give the coaches more defensive options,” added Banda.
“Our Zambezi Eagles project has done so much in providing a reliable feeder into the senior team as well as giving the players some exposure which is key for such tournaments.”
