Wake up call: Nsala says Gems must rebuild after World Cup heartbreak

Rainbow Netball League Secretary General Takonana Nsala believes the Gems sixth place finish at the Africa Netball Championship and World Cup Qualifiers in Kenya was below national expectation and must serve as a wake up call for all stakeholders in Zimbabwean netball.

Zimbabwe failed to qualify for the 2027 World Cup in Sydney, ending a historic run that saw the Gems qualify for their maiden World Cup in Liverpool in 2019 where they finished eighth and followed it up with a thirteenth place finish at the 2023 World Cup in Cape Town.

The Gems finished sixth out of ten in Nairobi with two wins against Botswana and Tanzania and four defeats, including a 63-57 loss to hosts Kenya in the fifth and sixth playoff after leading for three quarters.

The campaign was overshadowed by administrative chaos after Africa Netball scrapped semi finals mid tournament and cancelled planned qualification playoffs where Zimbabwe were to face Malawi and Kenya were to face Namibia.

Speaking to Fanzone whilst reflecting on the disappointing Netball Africa Cup campaign in Kenya, Nsala said the performance fell short of national expectation.

“Honestly, the performance of the GEMS in Kenya was below the expectations of the nation, particularly considering the progress Zimbabwean netball has made in recent years,” said Nsala.

He stressed that past achievements do not guarantee future success.

“Past achievements do not automatically guarantee future success,” said Nsala, adding that the results must prompt honest evaluation of technical preparation and player development.

The setback according to Nsala should force collective introspection.

“The results should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders in Zimbabwean netball,” said Nsala.

Despite the disappointment, Nsala insisted that Zimbabwe still has the talent to recover.

“Zimbabwe still has talented players and enormous potential. What is required is a coordinated strategy to translate that potential into consistent international success,” he said.

On competitiveness, Nsala admitted the Kenya record raises concern.

“The record of two wins and four defeats in Kenya is concerning and reflects the need for a comprehensive review of our current competitiveness,” he said.

He said other African nations are investing systematically and Zimbabwe must be deliberate, noting that recovery requires sustained investment in competitive domestic leagues, consistent high performance training and exposure to quality opposition.

Nsala also stressed that transparent, merit based selection is essential to build a team that represents the very best talent Zimbabwe has to offer.

On development, Nsala said RANL is putting practical programmes in place to widen the base of the game.

He revealed that each club is encouraged to register at least five junior players as part of its catch them young philosophy.

“This supports the catch them young philosophy and gives young athletes an opportunity to develop their skills, confidence and understanding of competitive netball from an early age,” he said.

Nsala said RANL is also easing the burden on clubs by covering umpiring fees including transport costs, but admitted junior registration alone is not enough.

“We need a properly structured development pathway that connects grassroots netball to competitive senior netball and, ultimately, the national team,” he said, adding that his long term vision is competitive leagues at Under 16, Under 18 and Under 20 feeding into provincial and national competitions.

On the much publicised affiliation embargo between the Zimbabwe Netball Associationand them, Nsala clarified that RANL was officially registered by ZINA in 2024, but said registration and resolution of any separate embargo are distinct issues.

RANL was formed in 2018 but for years the Letcia Chipandu led Zimbabwe Netball Association refused to affiliate it.

ZINA and the Sports and Recreation Commission had viewed RANL as an unsanctioned body, leading to restrictions confining it to community level and warnings that RANL players could be barred from Gems selection.

The SRC intervened in 2018, directing ZINA to amend its constitution to accommodate leagues with separate League Management Committees accountable to ZINA and directing RANL to apply for registration in line with established procedures, a dispute that finally ended in 2024.

Despite the embargo, RANL remained a pipeline for the Gems, producing stars like captain Felistus Kwangwa and Edina Nyamhazha of Correctional Queens, Elizabeth Mushore and Perisinevi Tabviroona of Santa Queens, and a Chapungu core including Kelly Muyambo and Anifa Luya.

RANL now comprises 17 teams under a bubble format and the title race is intense.

According to the latest RANL log standings, Correctional Queens and Glow Petroleum are tied on 45 points from 23 matches, with Correctional leading on superior goal difference of 1091 to 965.

Nsala said tomorrow’s Chikurubi Prison Bubble decider at 10am between Correctional and Glow Petroleum is potentially decisive.

“The two sides drew their first-round league match in Redcliff, Kwekwe, and are currently tied at the top of the log on the same number of points, with goal difference separating them,” he said.

He concluded that the contest shows the value of a strong domestic league.

“A strong national team must be built on the foundation of strong clubs, competitive leagues and consistent investment in young players,” added Nsala.