Cricket fans are in for a treat later this month as Zimbabwe lock horns with Afghanistan in what promises to be a fiery series in the capital.

The action begins with a one-off Test match at Harare Sports Club from 20–24 October, before the teams switch gears for three high-voltage T20 internationals on 29 and 31 October, with the decider set for 2 November.

On rankings, Afghanistan arrive as slight favourites — sitting above Zimbabwe in all three formats. But the Chevrons, playing in their own backyard, will be determined to flip the script and make a statement against one of their fiercest modern rivals.

Zimbabwe Cricket boss Givemore Makoni has already stoked anticipation: “Whenever we play Afghanistan it’s always intense, and supporters should expect a memorable series.”

Not everyone is pleased, though. Bulawayo mayor David Coltart questioned why Harare continues to host all the country’s marquee fixtures. Supporters were quick to respond, pointing to the lack of renovations at Queens Sports Club and the financial pull of gate takings in the capital.

Off-field debates aside, attention now turns to the cricket. Afghanistan bring their trusted spin attack and fearless hitters. Zimbabwe will counter with resilience, home advantage and the passion of their fans.

The stage is set. The rivalry burns bright. Harare awaits.

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.