Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S Gems have set their sights on improving their World Netball rankings when they feature at the Celtic Cup in Scotland.
The tournament is scheduled to run between November 26 and 30 at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, the tournament hosts Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and invitational teams Zimbabwe, Uganda and Namibia.
While this is the second edition of the Cup tournament, it becomes the first instalment to be used for World Netball rankings.
For years, Gems have been ranked 13th globally, with Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa occupying the top four places respectively.
Gems coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki believes that this Celtic Cup appearance could be an opportunity for the Gems to break free from their stagnant rating and finally move up the ladder.
“We are taking this tournament seriously because it has a bearing on rankings, so we do not want to jeopardize our chances of moving up the rankings,” said Mutsauki.
“For long we have been stuck on position 13 due to various reasons and now we stand a chance to earn points and make a move.”
Prior to the Cup tourney, the Gems will take part in the UK Tour where they will play against Wales on November 22 and 23 in Wales.
In preparation for the crucial outings, 12 players are already camped at Queen Elizabeth Girls High School in Harare.
The players made the cut after impressing in the Gems and their development side Zambezi Eagles’ recent participation in two successive international friendlies.
Zimbabwe hosted Kenya earlier in September before facing Malawi last month.
During the friendlies Mutsauki and his technical team assessed at least 30 players before they trimmed it to the final 12 who are set to travel.
After the Celtic Cup, the team will connect to Malawi where they are also expected to participate in the African Championships.
While they eye regional silverware, the broader picture is to eventually grab the solitary 2027 World Cup ticket and make it to the finals slated for Australia.
Mutsauki believes that he has enough arsenal to leave an impression at both the Celtic Cup and at the African Championships.
“The friendly games helped us come up with what we felt was the best team…we reached the decisions after evaluating the players in a series of highly-competitive games,” he said.
“Now the small group allows the technical team to concentrate on refining our strategies and understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each player.”
Zimbabwe Netball Association are also coordinating plans to link up with international based Goal Shooter Nalani Makunde in Scotland for the Celtic Cup.
Her presence is expected to enhance the team’s performance, as Mutsauki aims to integrate her experience and skills into the Gems’ game.
“We are making arrangements to have her in Scotland because this is a crucial moment for us considering that rankings and World Cup qualification are involved,” added Mutsauki.
Fuelled by Nedbank’s financial support, the Gems have the chance to take part in various invitational tournaments.
Team:
Prudence Sibanda, Ursula Ndlovu, Thandekile Mahlangu, Kelly Muyambo, Nikki Mundeya, Takadanaishe Zimusi, Nicole Muzanenhamo, Sharon Bwanali, Sharleen Makusha, Claris Kwaramba, Anifa Luya, Thandazile Ndlovu.
