Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe senior netball team’s quest for a third successive World Cup appearance is beginning to take shape, with the Gems’ rebuilding efforts and preparations gathering momentum.
In camp, the Gems are fine-tuning for upcoming international friendlies against Malawi and Botswana set for October 23–25 at Sunrise Sports Club in Harare.
The men’s side, Golden Flyers, and women’s juniors, Zambezi Eagles, will also take part.
These games form part of the team’s build-up to the Celtic Cup in Scotland (November 26–30) and the African Championships in Malawi in December.
The bigger goal, however, remains qualification for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Australia.
Head coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki says the signs are encouraging.
“I am happy that after so many years, finally, everything feels right in terms of preparations from a technical viewpoint,” he said.
“We are finally getting international friendlies, something we yearned for in the past. Things have improved, and so has the competition in camp.”
After the Test Series against Kenya in August, Mutsauki made key adjustments, dropping some players and bringing in new ones to create more competition.
“The work rate is quite impressive,” he said. “We opened a door for competition when we introduced the Zambezi Eagles project. Now the players understand that no one is guaranteed a spot; they have to fight for it.
“The new faces have brought energy, and the seniors are working harder to protect their places. Fans should brace for a treat.”
However, the Gems will again be without captain Felisitus Kwangwa, who missed the Kenya series due to family commitments. This time, injury has ruled her out, with vice captain Claris Kwaramba set to lead the team.
Kwangwa, a seasoned Goal Defender, was expected to anchor the new look squad from the back.
Her absence, Mutsauki admitted, leaves a major void.
“After the Kenya games, we saw that our mid needed attention while other areas looked stable,” he said.
“Defensively, we were counting on Kwangwa’s return to provide leadership, but her unavailability is a big blow.
“We now have to make quick adjustments, test new combinations, and shift some focus to the midcourt. Hopefully, she recovers soon.”
The ongoing camp, which concludes with the friendlies, will also determine the final squad for both the Celtic Cup and the African Championships.
According to Mutsauki, the expanded Celtic Cup will provide a strong measure of the team’s progress.
Now in its second year, the tournament has grown from four to six teams with the inclusion of Uganda and Namibia. Uganda, ranked seventh in the world and Namibia, 15th, just two places behind Zimbabwe, bring a higher level of competition.
Hosts Scotland (10th), Wales (6th), and Northern Ireland (12th) complete the lineup. Zimbabwe, who took bronze last year, are keen to build on that showing.
“The Celtic Cup will also count towards World Netball rankings, so we’re not taking it lightly,” said Mutsauki.
“The competition will be tougher; Uganda and Namibia are no pushovers. Players who prove themselves there will earn places for the Africa Cup and possibly the World Cup.
“This is a big stage for us, and we’re doing everything possible to be ready.”
