Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE will be without six senior players, including defender Felisitus Kwangwa, for next month’s World Cup qualifiers in Nairobi, forcing coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki to turn to the national development side, the Zambezi Eagles, for reinforcements as the Gems chase a third successive appearance at the global finals.
Kwangwa, Tanaka Makusha and Nikkie Mundeya have been ruled out through injury, while Sharon Bwanali and Claris Kwaramba are on maternity leave.
Thandazile Ndhlovu, who recently joined the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services as a prison officer, is undergoing training and cannot be released.
“It will be a relatively new-look squad. Some familiar faces are missing for reasons beyond us, so we have to make do with those available,” Mutsauki said.
“Everyone will be considered because it is a national team and those who impress will make it.
“The good thing is that the Zambezi Eagles have always trained with the Gems. It is almost one team, so we still have a good side to select from.”
Kelly Muyambo has recovered from injury, while Elizabeth Mushore has returned after maternity leave.
The Africa Netball Cup will double as the continent’s World Cup qualifying tournament and run from September 19 to 26 at the Kasarani Indoor Arena.
South Africa and Uganda have already qualified for the 2027 World Cup through their positions in the World Netball Rankings but will still compete for the continental title in Nairobi.
The two highest-placed eligible teams outside the already-qualified pair will secure Africa’s remaining World Cup places. Zimbabwe are ranked fourth in Africa behind South Africa, Uganda and Malawi, making them the second-highest-ranked eligible side in the qualifying race.
Mutsauki said adequate preparation would be central to Zimbabwe’s qualification bid. “Everything will depend on us having enough time to prepare. That’s the basis of everything,” he said.
Zimbabwe edged Uganda 50-49 at the 2024 Africa Netball Cup, but Namibia beat the Gems 42-41 three days later in Swakopmund.
Zambia’s last victory over the Gems came at the 2017 African Championships, while Tanzania lost 43-33 to Zimbabwe during the 2023 World Cup qualifiers.
