Zimbabwe’s Gems Retain 13th Spot in Latest World Netball Rankings

Zimbabwe’s senior netball team, the Gems, have successfully maintained their position at number 13 in the latest World Netball rankings, a reflection of their consistent performance on the international stage.

The latest update, released this month, factors in all international matches played between March 1 and June 1, 2025. The top spots remain dominated by traditional netball powerhouses, with Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, England, and South Africa securing the first five positions. Wales, Uganda, Malawi, Tonga, Scotland, Trinidad and Tobago, and Northern Ireland round out the top 12, placing Zimbabwe just outside the elite circle.

Reacting to the news, Gems head coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki expressed satisfaction with the team’s standing. “We are happy that we managed to maintain the position. It shows that we are not bad as a netball-playing nation,” Mutsauki said. “The good thing is that we did not drop from our position, so our major focus now will be working hard to improve and move up from there.”

The rankings update comes at a crucial time, as teams worldwide gear up for the next competitive cycle. The following ranking update, scheduled for September, will be particularly significant, as it will determine the 12 teams invited to compete in the prestigious Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Elsewhere on the rankings table, several teams have made notable progress. The Isle of Man recorded the biggest jump, climbing five places to number 31 after winning three of their last five matches. Meanwhile, Malta moved up two places to 38th, buoyed by two wins from their last four games.

Northern Ireland and Gibraltar both saw improvements in their ratings, though their overall positions remain unchanged at 12th and 27th, respectively. Northern Ireland secured victories in their last two matches, while Gibraltar went unbeaten in their last four outings.

On the downside, France experienced a significant setback, dropping from 31st to 39th after suffering four defeats in their last five games. The French team had joined the World Netball rankings in July 2024 and is still finding its footing in the competitive landscape.

For Zimbabwe’s Gems, maintaining their place among the top 15 netball nations in the world is a commendable achievement. With eyes firmly set on climbing higher, the team will now intensify their preparations ahead of the next ranking cycle and the road to Glasgow 2026.