South Africa and Uganda have already qualified automatically based on their world rankings.The 2027 Netball World Cup will be held in Sydney, Australia, from August 25 to September 5, 2027.Botswana last appeared at the World Cup in 2011 in Singapore, where they finished 13th. Dinaledi, as the senior women’s netball team is known, subsequently missed out on qualification for the 2015, 2019 and 2023 editions.Dinaledi’s first match will be against Zimbabwe, also The Gems, who are ranked 11th in the world, whilst Botswana are ranked 27th.Coach Martha Mosoahle-Samm told MmegiSport that preparations had gone according to plan, with the players working hard and the team ready for the continental challenge.“Preparations can never be enough, especially with our team that only started playing practice matches a month before the competition due to financial constraints. However, the girls used the opportunity to learn, become court fit and gain a lot of experience.“The team is a mix of experienced players such as Ntebogang Motlakaloso and Keletso Gontho and youthful players, with some making their national team debut. It is always good to have the best of both so that they complement each other. The best 12 players had to be picked, and that is what we did as coaches,” she said.Meanwhile, ahead of their departure for Nairobi, the team received a P100,000 sponsorship from Debswana.The diamond mining company has traditionally supported the team by providing accommodation, transport, meals and training facilities in Jwaneng.Botswana Netball Association (BONA) president, Mpopi Moatlhodi, said the support had come at an important time for the national team.She added it also demonstrated Debswana’s commitment to the development of sport and the empowerment of athletes.“We truly appreciate Debswana for believing in Botswana netball and for standing behind our players as they represent the country. Every contribution makes a difference, and this sponsorship will go a long way in supporting the team’s preparations and participation,” Moatlhodi said.“We value this partnership immensely and hope that it will continue to grow. On behalf of the players, technical team, officials and the entire netball family, we say thank you to Debswana for investing in our athletes and helping us take Botswana netball forward.”The teamShooters: Teedzani Keabile, Patience Kebatenne, Chenesani Mbangiwa, and Golebaone Leteane. Midcourt: Kolobetso Mbangwa, Maungo Simone, Barati Phesodi, and Kefilwe Ragono. Defenders: Keletso Gontho (captain), Gloria Adeooni, Charity Maswikiti, and Ntebogang Motlakaloso.FixturesSeptember 19: Botswana vs Zimbabwe September 20: Botswana vs Namibia September 21: Botswana vs Tanzania
