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.

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.

The Zimbabwean golf fraternity is counting down to one of the season’s most anticipated highlights — the Mashwede Classic Golf Tournament, scheduled for 4 and 5 October 2025 at Falcon Golf Club. Sponsored by Mashwede Holdings, the event has cemented itself as a flagship on the local sporting calendar, drawing top professionals alongside ambitious amateurs.

Launched in 2022, the Mashwede Classic began primarily as a platform for amateurs but has quickly evolved into a premier competition. The introduction of professional golfers in 2024 elevated the level of play and boosted the tournament’s prestige.

This year’s edition will see more than 100 golfers take to Falcon’s manicured fairways, including 12 invited pros expected to raise the bar even higher. For amateurs and juniors, the chance to compete shoulder-to-shoulder with established names provides priceless exposure, while seasoned players enjoy the opportunity to engage directly with Zimbabwe’s broader golfing community.

But the tournament is not only about competition. It has become a unifying occasion for fans, sponsors, and stakeholders, reflecting how golf can inspire, connect, and celebrate excellence.

The Mashwede Classic also carries official weight, featuring in both the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and the Zimbabwe Golf Association (ZGA) Order of Merit. Strong performances here do not just bring local recognition — they can propel careers on an international stage.

Its rapid growth in stature has shown that Zimbabwe is capable of hosting high-standard tournaments that give players global exposure while growing the sport at home. Last year’s edition attracted over 100 participants, and this year’s turnout is projected to surpass that milestone.

With Mashwede Holdings’ continued backing and strong organizational efforts, the Classic is on course to become one of Southern Africa’s most prestigious golf competitions.

As October approaches, all attention will turn to Falcon Golf Club, where two days of world-class golf will showcase talent, test resilience, and add another proud chapter to the story of Zimbabwean sport.

ALSO READ : NetOne CEO’s Arrest Sparks Allegations of Power Struggles Within Telecom Giant