THE 2023 Netball World Cup is almost here, and to help count down to the tournament, Rookie Me Central will be previewing all the competing teams and seeing how they might fare at the tournament.

Today’s focus is on the Zimbabwe Gems.

HISTORY OF ZIMBABWE AT THE NETBALL WORLD CUP

Unlike many of the nations at the Netball World Cup, Zimbabwe does not have a rich history at the tournament. In fact, the Gems’ first tournament was the most recent one in 2019.

Back at Liverpool where the African nation made history qualifying for the first time, the Gems finished in eighth place. To show their qualification was no fluke, the Gems backed up to make it through again by finishing third in the African qualifiers.

RECENT HISTORY

Since going down to Uganda in the 2019 edition of the World Cup, the Gems have played a series of international contests including African friendlies, the Diamond Challenge and then African World Cup qualifiers.

The Gems best result was arguably a draw to Scotland in the Diamond Challenge, where they otherwise lost to South Africa and the President’s XII to finish last in that tournament. They have shown they can be competitive against the bigger nations though, having some promising results against Uganda and Malawi in the past

KEY PLAYERS

Zimbabwe’s most experienced player in terms of experience at the highest levels is Felisitus Kwangwa who has been a rock solid, reliable defender at Netball Super League level. She is a player who can thwart a lot of attacks and will be one the Gems look to for composure in the back half of the court. She earned three Player of the Match honours in the 2019 Netball World Cup.

Likely to lineup next to Kwangwa in the defensive goal circle is 25-year-old Sharleen Makusha who also played at the 2019 World Cup. Claris Kwaramba – another up-and-coming Gems talent will slot in at wing defence – while up the other end of the court, the experience of Sharon Bwanali and Joice Takaidza – now 39 years-old – will provide some potency in the attacking circle.

ZIMBABWE FIXTURE (start times local)

Friday 28th July – 11am – Australia

Saturday 29th July – 9am – Fiji

Sunday 30th July – 6pm – Tonga

ZIMBABWE SQUAD

Sharon Bwanali, Beauka Hlungwani, Felisitus Kwanga, Claris Kwaramba, Nalani Makunde, Sharleen Makusha, Tafadzwa Matura, Nicole Muzanenhamo, Progress Moyo, Elizabeth Mushore, Joice Takaidza, Takadanaishe Zimusi

Reserves: Ursula Ndlovu, Paidamoyo Tinoza, Tafazwa Mawango