The Zimbabwe Netball Association is leaving no stone unturned as preparations gather pace for a blockbuster three-day international friendly series later this month.

From October 23–25, Harare will host Malawi and Botswana in a showdown that brings together Zimbabwe’s finest – the Gems, the up-and-coming Zambezi Eagles, and the men’s side, the Golden Flyers.

The squads regroup on October 5, with longtime partner Nedbank once again backing the national teams. Head coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki, who will be working alongside assistant Pepetua Siyachitema, says the camp comes at just the right time.

“The team is ready to take to the court, do well and make the nation proud – including the new players we are bringing in for this camp,” Mutsauki told reporters.

At least 30 women and 20 men will assemble before the squads are trimmed down to 15 players each, in preparation for two major tests ahead: the Celtic Cup in Scotland this November and the African Championships in Malawi in December.

The Gems head into camp with confidence, having claimed bronze at last year’s Celtic Cup after stunning Northern Ireland. This year’s edition has doubled in size, with six teams competing, and Zimbabwe are aiming for another podium finish.

Africa remains a tough battlefield. Malawi are currently third on the continent, with South Africa and Uganda occupying the top two slots, while Zimbabwe are just behind in fourth place and 13th in the world rankings.

But the Gems have already proven they can punch above their weight. At the 2023 African Championships in Namibia, they stunned Malawi 48-42 in the bronze playoff, and also recorded their first win over Uganda in over a decade.

Mutsauki insists the focus now is on sharpening both the physical and technical aspects of the game:
“Our aim is to assemble a team good enough to compete at the highest level. We’ve already gone straight into business to make sure we are ready for the upcoming competitions.”

For Zimbabwean netball, October’s friendlies are more than just warm-ups – they are the springboard to a decisive international season.

Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) President Nqobile Magwizi has called for patience and unity from the football fraternity as the Warriors continue to battle through a poor run of form.

Zimbabwe’s senior men’s team has managed just one win in their last ten matches across all competitions. Their struggles have already seen them crash out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers without registering a single victory, despite still having two matches left to play.

Disappointed supporters have staged protests in recent weeks, with some calling for changes within the technical setup. Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Magwizi acknowledged the growing frustration but urged fans to rally behind the national team.

“To our fans, we say: your passion is not taken for granted. We hear you. We respect you. We ask you to stand with us and with the Warriors. Division will not take us forward — unity, patience, and collective effort will,” he said.

Magwizi expressed confidence that Zimbabwean football could bounce back, pointing to past examples of resilience.

“Zimbabwean football has risen before, and it will rise again. With unity, discipline, and belief, we shall restore the pride of our game.”

The Warriors will conclude their World Cup qualifying campaign with back-to-back fixtures: against South Africa on 10 October at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, and against Lesotho on 13 October at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

A composed and disciplined team effort saw the Zimbabwe Women’s cricket team claim a vital 33-run victory over the United Arab Emirates in the third ODI, taking a 2-1 lead in the four-match series at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Zimbabwe set a solid foundation with a total of 203 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was anchored by a gritty 69 off 94 balls from Loryn Phiri, who kept the scoreboard ticking under pressure.

She was well supported by vice-captain Josephine Nkomo, whose 52 off 76 deliveries added crucial stability to the innings. Their composed half-centuries provided the backbone of Zimbabwe’s innings, ensuring the team posted a defendable total despite tight bowling from the visitors.

UAE’s bowlers, led by skipper Esha Oza (2/29), Induna Nandakumar (2/35), and Thilini Shashikala (2/52), worked hard to contain the run rate, taking wickets at regular intervals to prevent Zimbabwe from running away with the game.

In response, the UAE never quite found their footing. The Zimbabwean bowling unit, spearheaded by spinner Lindokuhle Mabhero, applied the brakes early and never let up. Mabhero was outstanding, finishing with figures of 3 for 21 from her full quota of 10 overs, choking the life out of the visitors’ middle order.

She was ably assisted by Adel Zimunu, who chipped in with 2 for 29, as Zimbabwe kept the pressure on throughout the innings.

Heena Hotchandani offered some resistance with a determined 40, but the UAE’s chase was marred by a steady fall of wickets and a mounting required run rate. Despite battling through the 50 overs, the visitors could only muster 170 for 8, falling short by 33 runs.

This result marks a strong comeback for the Lady Chevrons, who now take a crucial lead into the final match of the series. With the momentum firmly in their corner, Zimbabwe will look to close out the series in style — while the UAE will be aiming to bounce back and draw level in what promises to be an exciting series finale.