Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Netball Association yesterday bid farewell to the Gems’ 15-member-squad to do duty in Nairobi, Kenya between September 19 and 26.
Under the guidance of Ropafadzo Mutsauki, the Nedbank bankrolled netball team depart for Kenya today.
The tournament, which also doubles as the Netball Africa Cup, draws together 10-nations at the Moi International Sports Centre’s Kasarani Indoor Arena.
Two tickets will be available for Africa for the World Cup, which is scheduled for Sydney, Australia next year.
In the continental contest, South Africa and Uganda are to play for the Africa Cup, having already qualified for the global showcase based on their World Rankings.
South Africa currently rank fifth in the world while Uganda are in position six.
Although their games will count in the qualifiers, if both of them play the Cup final then a new qualification play-off system will be followed.
ZINA president Leticia Chipandu said the Gems’ preparations were thorough.
“From our high-intensity friendly matches against formidable opponents like Malawi and Kenya to our rigorous campaigns in the Telkom Cup, COSANA Tournament and the Celtic Cup, all of these served a defined purpose,” she said.
“Testing ourselves against top-tier regional competitions has sharpened our tactics, hardened our competitive edge and allowed us to widen our pool of talent.
“Every match played has been part of a deliberate strategic blueprint aimed squarely at the 2027 Netball World Cup in Australia, and now we cross the first hurdle.”
Chipandu said the association worked tirelessly to ensure that they send the best team to represent the nation at the Qualifiers, paying tribute to their sponsors Nedbank and Caledonia for their support.
“Such would not have been possible without our all-weather sponsor, Nedbank Zimbabwe, who have been standing with us since 2023, and Caledonia, who came this year,” she said.
“With your support, the Gems have steadily climbed the ranks to become the 11th best team globally, . . . it has been a long road, but together we have navigated.”
“Our sincere gratitude also goes to the Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Sport and the Sports and Recreation Commission; this reminds us that sport has a unique power to unite a nation and ignite national pride.”
The Gems face Botswana in their Group One opening battle on Saturday at 15: 00 PM before taking on Namibia on Monday and Tanzania on Wednesday.
Nedbank Managing Director Betty Murambadoro urged the Gems to remain united in their fight to raise the national flag high.
“We are excited to finally see the girls off as they embark on this important journey that has sweat, tears, victory, history and everything embedded in it,” she said.
