Africa Netball Cup starts without top ranked sides

The tournament goes ahead without women in top-ranked countries on the continent, South Africa, Uganda, and Malawi. The absence of the three powerhouses leaves the competition wide open. In the absence of the three, Zimbabwe competes as the highest-ranked team at position 13, and they are the favourites for the championship.

Zambia is ranked number 15, Namibia is in position 22, and Botswana starts in position 23. Botswana will be in action in the first match this evening (7pm) against Kenya, a team ranked number 29. Botswana women will battle it out against Eswatini in the second match of the tournament tomorrow at 4pm. Botswana men will debut in the Africa Netball Cup on Thursday against Zimbabwe at 5pm. The first game on the men’s side will be between Zimbabwe and Kenya tomorrow (11am). South Africa, the favourites for the men's title, begin their campaign on Friday against Kenya and will then face Botswana on Monday (December 4).