ZIMBABWE senior women’s netball team yesterday left Harare for Scotland, where they will participate in a high-level Celtic Cup in Glasgow as they begin their preparations for the 2027 World Cup.
Led by captain Felistas Kwangwa, a former Surrey Storm player, the team hopes to use these games as a learning curve as they build up to the Qualifiers for the Australia 2027 World Cup.
In Scotland, they will square off against the hosts and Wales. After that, they will engage in a four-team Celtic Cup against Welsh Feathers, Scottish Thistles and Northern Ireland Warriors.
“We have worked so hard for the past four weeks preparing for this outing so I believe when we get there we only have about two days to rest then we get into our first three Test matches against Wales as we prepare for the Celtic Cup,” Kwangwa said.
“I think from there, we will be able to see where we are as a team, but I would love to say to the nation we will make it.”
The Gems skipper summed up the mood in her camp as they march towards the uncharted waters.
“This training camp is something that we have been looking forward to for so many years, I’m glad that we finally got the opportunity to do so. I believe after this Celtic Cup Zimbabwe will be ranked in the top 10,” she said.
“I can say roughly I have an idea of how they play their game and I think for the past few weeks we have been in camp I’ve been trying to share what they do, what they’re good and honestly trying to work on what we are good at as a team.
“I believe we will try to maximise on their weaker side, and it will give as a positive result that’s what we are looking forward to.”
Zimbabwe are currently ranked 13th in the world, while Wales and Scotland are number nine and 10, respectively.