Sithembinkosi L. Jiyane
Sports Reporter
www.zimgbcnews.co.zw
Zimbabwe’s senior women’s netball team, the Gems, continue to shine on the regional stage after opening their 2025 Africa Netball Cup campaign with a strong and confident performance.
The team began their tournament in Lilongwe, Malawi, with a commanding 48–36 win over Namibia, showcasing sharp coordination, solid defending, and impressive composure throughout the match. This early victory set a promising tone for Zimbabwe as they push for continental success.
Their dominance over Namibia was further reinforced on November 28, 2025, when the Gems once again outclassed the Namibian national team, known as the Debmarine Desert Jewels, securing a convincing 49–39 win in a Celtic Cup clash.
This result added to a growing list of tightly contested encounters between the two sides, underscoring one of Southern Africa’s most exciting netball rivalries. Despite Namibia’s determination, Zimbabwe have maintained superior consistency throughout 2025.
Recent head-to-head results highlight Zimbabwe’s increasing control. Earlier in the year, the Gems posted a 45–41 victory over the Desert Jewels during the Africa World Cup Qualifier in August, followed by a narrow but crucial 47–45 win at the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games in July.
Namibia’s most recent triumph came on December 12, 2024, when they edged Zimbabwe 42–41 in a dramatic Africa Netball Cup match. Since then, however, the Gems have steadily tightened their grip on the rivalry.
With momentum firmly on their side, the Gems now head into their remaining Africa Netball Cup fixtures with renewed confidence and determination.
Their strong showings in Malawi, combined with standout performances across other 2025 competitions, reflect a team in excellent form and hungry for more success.
Overall, Zimbabwe’s recent performances against Namibia highlight a team growing in confidence, consistency, and maturity. With multiple high-pressure victories secured, the Gems have proven their ability to rise to challenges and deliver results when it matters most.
As the tournament progresses, they carry not only momentum, but also the belief that they can continue their winning streak and assert themselves as one of the region’s most formidable sides.
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