Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE Zimbabwe senior netball team, the Gems, have begun their final preparations for the upcoming 2025 Celtic Cup in Scotland, with 25 players settling into camp this Wednesday.
The camp marks the team’s second phase of intensive training ahead of the tournament, following an earlier session in August where they hosted Kenya in a friendly match.
Among the notable players already in camp are goal attacks Sharon Bwanali and Ursula Ndlovu, goal defenders Takadanaishe Zimusi and Claris Kwaramba, all-rounder Androllar Munkuli, and youngsters Nikkie Mandeya and Beulah Daure.
Some key players, including Australia-based Nalani Malunde, skipper Felisitus Kwangwa, Wadzanai Zimunya, Elizabeth Mushore, and Blessing Murombo, are expected to join the squad in the coming days.
As part of their build-up, the Gems will host a Tri-Nations Tournament featuring Malawi and Botswana from November 23 to 25, which will serve as a crucial test of their competitiveness and readiness.
The team will then travel to the Emirates Arena in Glasgow, Scotland, for the Celtic Cup, scheduled for November 26 to 30. The tournament will feature Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and invitational teams Uganda and Namibia in a round-robin format.
The Gems, who clinched bronze in the previous edition after a 55–49 victory over Northern Ireland, are aiming to build on that success as they gear up for another strong showing on the international stage.
