Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
TO keep alive hopes of collecting silverware at the ongoing African Championships in Lilongwe, Malawi, Zimbabwe’s senior netball side must lift themselves for one final push and beat hosts Malawi Sunday afternoon.
The Gems slipped out of the title race Saturday after a bruising 84-32 semi final loss to South Africa, a result that ended their hopes of reaching the final but still left a podium finish within reach.
It was a one sided contest from the opening whistle. South Africa surged into a 5-1 lead inside the first five minutes and never looked back, pinning Zimbabwe deep in their own half and dictating the pace.
Despite meeting a familiar opponent, the Gems were second best throughout. They struggled to protect their centre passes and were punished ruthlessly, trailing 57-22 at half time with the gap already beyond repair.
“It was a tough one for us, South Africa are a powerhouse and obviously it was never going to be easy especially as we rebuild like this,” said head coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki.
“We are building for the 2027 World Cup, so our aim currently is to build a team that is going to qualify…we are not reading much into these results, our sights are beyond that.”
Mutsauki has committed to a rebuilding phase, assembling a squad anchored by emerging players while leaning on experience from senior figures Sharon Bwanali in the shooting circle and Claris Kwaramba in the midcourt.
That blend, however, struggled to hold under pressure. Zimbabwe’s defensive unit and midcourt failed to assert themselves, allowing the Spar Proteas to control possession and flow.
South Africa repeatedly stole centre passes and forced Zimbabwe into a high number of unforced errors, turning each turnover into quick scores through their sharp shooters.
Even after tactical adjustments in the second half, the Gems could not stem the tide. Gaps opened across the court, giving South Africa space to stretch the margin and shut the door on any comeback.
“This was the most competitive of all the games that we have played and instead of focusing on the score line we picked a lot of crucial lessons that will be beneficial for us in future,” added Mutsauki.
“Our players were under a huge test today but still they managed to play according to instruction save a few isolated moments and I believe that is a positive for us.
“Our defence also failed to cut supply for South Africa and with their accurate shooters you know that each pass that gets into their ring is a goal so this is one aspect that we need to work on,” he said.
Zimbabwe now turn their attention to Malawi, knowing victory Sunday will secure bronze and end the tournament on a high.
South Africa and Uganda will contest the final later Sunday, with the Spar Proteas chasing a successful title defence.
Both finalists are among the six highest ranked nations in world netball and have already secured automatic qualification for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Zimbabwe and Malawi will still need to navigate the qualification route to book their places on the global stage.
Meanwhile, the Gems’ male counterparts, the Golden Flyers, have booked a place in the Championships final and are set to face South Africa Sunday in a bid for continental glory.
