The Zimbabwe Netball Association recently revealed the lineup for Zimbabwe's national netball team, which will represent the country at the highly anticipated Vitality Netball World Cup 2023. This historic tournament will be held in Cape Town, South Africa, from July 28 to August 6. Under the guidance of Coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki, the Zimbabwe Netball team is gearing up for this significant event. Captain Felistus Kwangwa, along with four other teammates, will be making their second appearance at the World Cup.
Zimbabwe Netball Squad for 2023
The talented players who will be representing Zimbabwe at the Vitality Netball World Cup 2023 are as follows:
- Sharon Bwanali
- Beaula Hlungwani
- Felistas Kwangwa
- Claris Kwaramba
- Nalani Makunde
- Sharleen Makusha
- Nicole Muzanenhamo
- Progress Moyo
- Elizabeth Mushore
- Joice Takaidza
- Takadanaishe Zimusi
- Ursula Ndlovu (Reserve)
- Paidamoyo Tinoza (Reserve)
- Tafazwa Mawango (Reserve)
A total of sixteen teams will gather in South Africa to compete in this prestigious tournament. Zimbabwe has been placed in Pool A, alongside Australia, Fiji, and Tonga. Pool B comprises England, Malawi, Scotland, and Barbados, while Pool C consists of Jamaica, South Africa, Wales, and Sri Lanka. Pool D includes New Zealand, Uganda, Trinidad and Tobago, and Singapore.
Earlier this year, Nedbank announced a generous sponsorship package of US$50,000 to support the Zimbabwe Netball team. This sponsorship will cover the team's playing kit, travel insurance, and other expenses incurred during the World Cup. The Gems, as the team is known, will be participating in their second consecutive World Cup, following their debut appearance in 2019 in Liverpool, England, where they finished 12th under the leadership of Captain Felistus Kwangwa. This support from Nedbank highlights their commitment to the development of netball in Zimbabwe.
Netball holds a significant place in Zimbabwe, particularly among women. The sport, originally an English invention rooted in basketball recently gained popularity in the country. Its history can be traced back to the late 19th century when women faced challenges playing basketball due to restrictive dress conventions. In response, female educators adapted the game to suit these limitations, giving birth to women's basketball, now known as netball.
Netball, with its distinctive rules, emerged as a recognized sport in the late 1890s. The game underwent modifications such as the elimination of dribbling and the establishment of specific rules tailored to women. These adaptations included dividing the court into three zones, increasing the number of players to nine, using a smaller ball, and incorporating two umpires, two scorers, and two timekeepers. Notably, it was in 1970 that women's basketball officially became known as netball, as we recognize it today.
In Zimbabwe, netball has a long history dating back to the colonial era. In 1956, an English team embarked on a tour of Southern Rhodesia, laying the foundation for netball in the country. Currently, the Premier Netball League (PNL) operates as the primary feeder league for the national team, ensuring professional gameplay and development.
Furthermore, the netball scene in Zimbabwe recently witnessed the launch of the Victoria Falls Netball League. This league brings together teams that were previously engaged in social sports in Victoria Falls, creating a competitive platform for netball enthusiasts. Among the participating teams, eight are from Victoria Falls, namely Bangelo, Corinthians, Falls Queens, Gwanzura, Kasambabezi, Mosi Queens, Shooting Stars, and VIP Mosi, while Mutagesh represents Hwange.
The introduction of the Victoria Falls Netball League adds another dimension to netball in Zimbabwe, fostering the growth of the sport and providing opportunities for players to showcase their skills.
Zimbabwe: Netball World Cup Fixtures 2023
| Date | Matches |
|---|---|
| Monday, 31st July |
Australia v Scotland / Zimbabwe v Barbados Wales v New Zealand / Fiji v Malawi Jamaica v Uganda / Sri Lanka v Singapore Tonga v England South Africa v Trinidad & Tobago |
| Tuesday, 1st August |
Barbados v Singapore Australia v Malawi Tonga v Scotland Zimbabwe v Sri Lanka Fiji v England |
| Wednesday, 2nd August |
Zimbabwe v Singapore Wales v Uganda Jamaica v Trinidad & Tobago South Africa v New Zealand Sri Lanka v Barbados |
| Thursday, 3rd August |
Australia v England Wales v Trinidad and Tobago Jamaica v New Zealand / Fiji v Scotland South Africa v Uganda Tonga v Malawi |
| Saturday, 5th August |
11th/12th placing match Semi-Final 1 Semi-Final 2 9th/10th placing match |
| Sunday, 6th August |
7th/8th placing match 5th/6th placing match Bronze medal match Netball World Cup final |
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