Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
WHENEVER a match or tournament comes to an end, many choose to focus on scorelines and results rather than doing a deep dive and break down the science of their campaigns.
And Zimbabwe, or rather the Zimbabwe Netball Association (ZINA), more often than not have developed a habit of ignoring lessons from their experiences.
The showing by the Zimbabwe senior netball team at the just-ended World Cup qualifiers-cum-Africa Cup in Nairobi, Kenya, recently left a section of fans unhappy.
For a side that has been to the World Cup twice in succession (2019 and 2023) and also finished as bronze medallists at the Africa Cup last year, a lot was expected.
This time, after just two wins and three defeats, the results were not enough to carry the Gems beyond the qualifiers’ group stages.
They finished sixth out of 10 participating nations.
That reality should not be ignored, nor should it be misunderstood.
But since their last game in Kasarani, the Gems have not had it easy, and their fans’ hostility has been so loud it has overshadowed the positives from the campaign.
Yet from their preparations, the writing was almost on the wall and for those who paid enough attention, they had to shift gaze and look beyond the tournament.
This showcase, for the Gems, was never only about who lifted the trophy or secured the World Cup ticket, but exposure at the highest level of netball on the continent.
And that is the all-important context.
It was about seeing up close and testing quality, the organisation and game intelligence required to compete against Africa’s best for the new-look Gems, who had yet to be tried and tested.
After all, only two players out of the 12 who did duty in Kenya had experience at this level.
Preparations for the tournament are in the spotlight.
While the Gems’ camp was scheduled to resume on time, it took long for some players to join because of other commitments.
The technical team spent weeks waiting for key players like Tanaka Makusha and Nikkie Mundeya, who had picked up injuries at their clubs and awaited clearance from their medical teams.
Eventually, it became clear they needed more time and the team had to proceed without them.
Without them, coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki had to rewire his defence just a few days before departure.
Then came more blows.
Correctional Queens duo Felisitus Kwangwa and Queen Sigauke were called up, but they remained held up owing to various commitments.
With mid-court star Claris Kwaramba and shooter Sharon Bwanali on maternity leave, Mutsauki had to dig into the Gems’ development side, the Zambezi Eagles project, and promote some players.
Zimbabwe finished sixth out of 10 in Nairobi, missing out on the two Netball World Cup slots that went to Malawi and Namibia.
The two sides will join South Africa and Uganda at the global showcase in Sydney next year.
For many, sixth is failure.
The team that once stunned the world at the World Cup should not be losing to Namibia and Kenya, they argued. But, again, context matters.
This was a Gems side missing at least four starters and had to make do with inexperienced players — an inevitable rebuild that would come sooner or later.
“We have to be realistic; they are in a transition and obviously it could never be that easy,” said technical advisor Fred Mugerwa.
“A little dip in performance was expected, but from my experience, the team did well and if kept intact, they will be unstoppable in the coming tournament or two; continuity matters.”
Questions arose over the absence of Nicole Muzanenhamo.
The promising shooter was part of the team before she fell ill just before the start of the tournament and had to be hospitalised in Kenya.
She had to watch the tournament from the sidelines before she was discharged late on the final day.
On the other hand, veteran Ursula Ndlovu drew attention for her absence from the first 12 of the tournament.
While her experience was needed, the 32-year-old’s exclusion could also have been a good move that provided a real test for the youngsters who are obviously the future of the team.
Kenya have shown the Gems where they are and what they must fix before the 2029 World Cup cycle.
However, this is the first time that Mutsauki has assembled a squad that oozes massive potential since the 2019 World Cup squad.
