By Tapiwa Chawagarira
Zimbabwe’s senior women’s netball team, the Gems, got their bid for a third consecutive Netball World Cup appearance off to a winning start after defeating Botswana 57-39 in their opening Africa Netball Cup and Sydney 2027 World Cup qualifier at the Kasarani Indoor Arena in Nairobi, Kenya, on Saturday.
The victory gives Zimbabwe an important early boost in Pool 1, where they are competing alongside Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania and South Africa for a place at next year’s global showcase in Sydney, Australia.
World Netball confirmed that the Nairobi tournament doubles as the African qualification competition for the 2027 Netball World Cup, with the top two eligible teams earning qualification. South Africa and Uganda have already secured their World Cup places through their world rankings.
The Gems went into Saturday’s encounter with considerable preparation behind them, having spent about a month in camp and played a series of high-intensity international matches as part of their preparations.
Their technical team has also been strengthened by the involvement of experienced Ugandan tactician Fred Mugerwa, whose work has centred on possession, combinations and improving the team’s overall tactical approach.
Zimbabwe coach Tatenda Shinya had stressed the importance of defensive organisation and movement before the tournament, saying the team had worked on defending collectively, improving midcourt movement and creating space for the shooters.
The Gems’ starting seven against Botswana featured Thandazile Ndhlovu at goal shooter, Prisca Mpofu at goal attack, Prudence Sibanda at wing attack, Anifa Luya at centre, Takadanaishe Zimusi at wing defence, Upenyu Muyambu at goal defence and Elizabeth Mushore at goalkeeper.
Captain Progress Chigumba, together with Enesi Chavarika, Beaular Daure, Nicole Muzanenhamo and Perisnevi Tobviroona, provided the options from the bench.
The result provides Zimbabwe with a valuable foundation ahead of their remaining pool matches. According to the official World Netball schedule, the Gems’ next Pool 1 assignments include South Africa on Sunday, Namibia on Monday and Tanzania on Wednesday.
The ultimate objective is to secure one of Africa’s available qualification places and return to the Netball World Cup for a third successive edition after Zimbabwe’s appearances at Liverpool 2019 and Cape Town 2023.
Zimbabwe Gems 57-39 Botswana — the journey to Sydney 2027 has begun.
