THE Zimbabwe netball team has set its eyes on winning the 2023 Netball World Cup or at least lend a top-four finish at the global showcase which kicks off in Cape Town, South Africa, this Friday.
Also known as the Gems, the team is taking part in a second consecutive World Cup tournament after making an impressive debut in Liverpool, United Kingdom, four years ago where they finished eighth.
Zimbabwe were drawn in Pool A alongside 2019 World Cup runners-up Australia, Fiji and Tonga at the tournament which runs from July 28 to August 6.
On Friday, the Gems clash with one of the tournament favourites Australia in their first match of the competition before entertaining Fiji the following day and conclude their group campaign against Tonga on July 30.
Gems captain Felisitus Kwangwa said the team is in the tournament to fight for the title although they have set a lofty target of finishing in the top four this time around.
“Our target, I know it might sound as if we are being over-ambitious, but at the end of the day we are at the tournament to be the best at the end of the tournament. We finished eighth in our maiden World Cup appearance and this time around we are pushing for a top-four finish,” Kwangwa told NewsDay Sport.
Noting the attributes which make the current squad special ahead of the World Cup, Kwangwa said: “Everyone is excited, they cannot wait for the actual tournament to start. I think we are a team full of individuals with a lot of confidence in themselves, so I can say generally our strength is confidence and of course we do work as a team.
“We have a lot of youngsters full of energy which I think is important at this grand stage and of course we also have some experienced players in the team.”
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The Gems lost 64-36 to England in a warm-up match played in Stellenbosch on Sunday in preparation for the World Cup.
They play Barbados in another warm-up game today before winding up their World Cup preparations against Scotland and Wales, on July 26.
Zimbabwe Squad
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).
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