By Tapiwa Chawagarira
BLANTYRE, Malawi — Zimbabwe’s Senior Panthers have secured qualification for the 2027 Korfball World Cup in the Netherlands after a historic campaign at the Africa Championship and World Cup Qualifier in Blantyre, Malawi.
The achievement marks a major milestone for Zimbabwean korfball, with the Senior Panthers now set to take their place on the global stage in 2027.
Zimbabwe arrived in Blantyre with ambitions of competing strongly on the continent, but their campaign has delivered an even bigger prize — a place at the World Cup in the Netherlands.
The qualification vindicates months of preparation by the players, technical team and Zimbabwe Korfball Federation, who had set their sights on using the African championship as part of a broader journey towards international competition.
Senior Panthers coach Reuben Taruwinga had warned before the team’s departure that Zimbabwe was not travelling to Malawi merely to participate.
“We are not going to Malawi to participate. We are going to compete. Our focus has been on three things: speed, unity and discipline,” Taruwinga said.
His words have now been backed by the team’s performance, with Zimbabwe achieving its ultimate objective of earning a place among the world’s leading korfball nations.
The qualification is also a significant step towards the long-term vision outlined by the Zimbabwe Korfball Federation leadership, which had identified the Netherlands and the 2027 World Cup as the ultimate target.
“Malawi is not our focus. Malawi is a stepping stone. Our eyes are fixed on the Netherlands and the World Cup. That is where we are going,” the ZKF president said before the tournament.
That vision has now become reality.
The Senior Panthers, led by captain Clare Kanhodo and vice-captain Dylan, will represent Zimbabwe at the global tournament, giving the players an opportunity to measure themselves against the world’s best.
The qualification also provides a major boost to the development of korfball in Zimbabwe, particularly at a time when the federation is seeking to strengthen the sport’s national structures and create greater opportunities for players to compete internationally.
Zimbabwe’s Under-19 team is also competing in Blantyre at the inaugural IKF U19 All-Africa Korfball Championship, with Tadana Mangwanya captaining the side and Prosper Chahweta serving as vice-captain.
Coach Tonderai Kisimusi has challenged the young players to demonstrate maturity, discipline and confidence as they embark on their own continental journey.
The success of the senior side has been accompanied by considerable support behind the scenes.
Trip Trans provided a dedicated bus for Team Zimbabwe, helping the delegation travel to Malawi and easing some of the logistical challenges associated with the campaign.
The federation has also acknowledged the support of its training venues, including Queen Elizabeth High School, Mbare High School, Morgan Zintec and Mutare Girls High School.
Another key partner has been Our Africa, which provided playing kits for the Zimbabwean teams competing in Malawi.
The federation expressed its appreciation for the support, saying the kits enabled the players to proudly represent Zimbabwe on the continental stage.
The World Cup qualification is therefore not only a victory for the players and coaches but also recognition of the collective effort involving the federation, partners, training institutions, officials and supporters who contributed to the campaign.
