Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe Netball Association say they are putting everything in place to ensure the Gems secure a third World Cup qualification on the trot.
The global show-piece due to take place in Australia from August 25 to September 5, in 2027.
The top six countries — hosts Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, England, South Africa and Uganda have already secured their places at the 16-team tournament based on world rankings as of December 1, 2025.
The remaining 10 slots will be decided through the regional qualifiers scheduled for this year.
Kenya will host the qualifiers for Africa in September.
Zimbabwe’s Gems will be among the countries vying for the two remaining slots for the continent.
ZINA president Leticia Chipandu would want the Gems to maintain their momentum after wrapping up 2025 with a bronze at the Africa Cup in Malawi.
Prior to the Africa Cup, the Gems had placed fourth at the Celtic Cup in Scotland.
Their spirited fight saw them moving up on the world rankings from position 13 to 12.
“I would say 2025 was a fairly successful year for the Zimbabwe Netball Association.
“When we went to the Celtic Cup, we were able to improve our ranking from 13 to 12 and at the moment, that’s our world ranking. “When we went to the Africa Championships, we were able to maintain our third position, we got bronze.
“What does this mean for Zimbabwe Netball Association as we move towards qualifiers in September 2026, in Kenya? It means that Zimbabwe has got to keep the momentum and raise the bar by having lots of competitions with competitive teams.
“We have lined-up schedules with Uganda and South Africa. We most likely will play Malawi and we would perhaps want to see the Celtic Cup held earlier than September so that it gives the team enough practice,” said Chipandu.
ZINA, the netball mother body put in place a developmental side, the Zambezi Eagles and participated in the first two weeks of the Telkom Netball League in South Africa. Their participation was in the form of friendly games.
And they will be returning to the neighbouring country for the same tournament this year. “We are also going to participate in the Telkom tournament. This time we are going to participate from the beginning up to the end.
