Andrew
Online Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Netball Association have begun to put the pieces of their 2023 World Netball Cup together, with the senior national team expected to assemble in the coming weeks.
While the actual dates of the qualifiers are yet to be announced; the tournament will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the same venue that will host the 16th edition of the global showcase.
The qualifiers will see the Gems battling for one of the two available slots after South Africa gained automatic entry by virtue of being hosts.
Uganda also qualifies automatically through world rankings.
Speaking at the Premier Netball League pre-season tournament held last weekend, Zimbabwe Netball Association president Leticia Chipandu said player invitations are in the process of being sent out to the respective clubs with the exercise expected to be completed by the end of the week.
“We are resuming preparations soon, and will be sending out invitation letters,” said Chipandu.
“We hope to be done by Thursday, and look forward to timely responses so that we do not also lose track of time,” she said.
She said the team will camp in batches as the association hopes to cast a wider net in their scouting and recruiting.
This comes after some of the senior players retired just after the 2019 Netball World Cup in England.
“After this tournament (pre-season tourney), we are pleased with the zeal and talent that we saw.
“It shows that we are in the right direction and all we need is time.
“We can make it,” said Chipandu.
“As we are calling up more players for camp, we will do so in batches due to Covid-19 restrictions.
“We also want to give the coaches more space and time to do what they know best,” she said.
The World Netball Cup, slated for July 17-August 8 2023, will see 16 nations battle it out for the global title.
New Zealand are the current champions after beating silver medalists Australia in the final in the previous edition
Online Reporter