The Gems who lit up 2019 have faded from view

Veronica Gwaze

Zimpapers Sports Hub

THEY took the world by surprise in Liverpool, placing Zimbabwean netball on the global map.

But six years later, the trailblazing Gems of the 2019 Netball World Cup are still waiting for the recognition they earned, and seem never to get it.

Felisitus Kwangwa, Sharon Bwanali and Ursula Ndlovu are the only players left from the senior netball team that stunned the world at the 2019 global showpiece.

At their first-ever appearance on the global stage, the Gems defied expectations, finishing eighth out of 16 teams. They left a mark, and for a brief moment, they were national heroes.

It was at that tournament that Kwangwa caught the eye of Surrey Storm, a club in England, which later signed her.

She joined the team in 2021 and made history as the first Zimbabwean netball player to compete in England’s top-flight league.

In 2023, she returned home to rejoin Correctional Queens and has since risen to captain the senior national team.

While Kwangwa, Bwanali and Ndlovu have remained key players for the national side, several of their 2019 teammates are now active in the local league.

Patricia Mauladi (ZDF), Rudo Karume (Glow), Claris Kwaramba (Glow), Tanaka Makusha (Glow) and Ndaizivei Madzikangava (Correctional Queens) continue to play club netball.

Mercy Mukwadi and Stembile Chitiva are no longer in the picture, and Pauline Jani sadly passed away in 2023.

Former Gems captain Pepetua Siyachitema has taken on a new role as head coach of Glow Petroleum Queens.

Under her leadership, the team has won the league championship three years in a row. She also completed a treble of her own, earning the Coach of the Year award in each of those seasons, cementing her impact on the local scene.

That 2019 World Cup run sparked national interest in netball. For a while, the Gems were the talk of the town.

Despite all they achieved, and the pride they brought to Zimbabwe, their success did not translate into lasting rewards.

Material benefits were scarce. To this day, they have little to show for their historic campaign.

Although the current Gems squad is made up of a new generation, the 2019 success should have left a lasting legacy.

The Gems name should have become a national brand. Their performance showcased their talent and placed Zimbabwe firmly on the international netball stage.

But like morning dew, the fame and buzz faded fast.

Players were left to face harsh realities, their dreams of endorsements and stardom unrealised.

“The general response was disappointingly minimal; we thought a World Cup appearance would finally attract sponsorship and endorsements,” said a former player.

Out of the 14 players who represented Zimbabwe, only three secured endorsements: Ndlovu, Makusha and goal shooter Joice Takaidza appeared in advertising campaigns for Pearlenta mealie meal and National Foods. This limited recognition raised questions about the level of investment and support for the sport.

“We felt overlooked, especially during a time when we should have been celebrating the historic achievement,” the former player said. “It was disheartening and quite demotivating for future generations, especially when we look at fellow players from other nations.”

Uganda’s She Cranes, for example, received a hero’s welcome from First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Janet Kataha Museveni. The players were also showered with cash gifts.

In South Africa, Spar offered a R1,2 million bonus to the national team after their World Cup performance. Corporates rallied behind them, offering gifts, endorsements and even helping some players to become homeowners.

Like Zimbabwe, South Africa also began rebuilding after 2019. Their process was quick and effective, while Zimbabwe’s remained ongoing, even after qualifying for the 2023 World Cup.

Former Spar Proteas captain Bongiwe Msomi is now head coach at the University of Johannesburg. Former vice captain Karla Pretorius is mentoring young players and Phumza Maweni, a respected defender, now serves as assistant coach for the junior national team under Precious Mthembu.

Many of these players also founded charitable organisations using proceeds from national team endorsements.

“We wish for improved remuneration in netball. That way, netballers and athletes in general can build a better future and also give back to the game,” said netball legend Sarudzai Chapo.

“During our time, we played for passion. There was no pay, and hardly any media coverage. It was heartbreaking, but we did it because we loved the sport.

“But now there’s improved coverage, which I believe has helped raise the sport’s profile. We’re calling on the corporate world and other stakeholders to recognise our girls. It’s only through that kind of support that we can inspire the next generation and attract more talent.”

As netball continues to move forward, it is time to remember the pioneers of 2019, and to make sure their sacrifices and achievements are not forgotten.