CUTHBERT MASHOKO
Masvingo Province’s Under-14 girls basketball team defied the odds and proved to be a force to be reckoned with in basketball as they clinched gold at the National Association of Primary Heads (NAPH) finals held in Bulawayo from July 31 to August 1.
The two-day competitions, which pitted the ten provinces against each other, saw teams battling it out in fierce encounters that showcased the amazing talent of the young players.
Masvingo’s U14 team, which was in Pool B in the group stages, competed against Matabeleland South, Mashonaland East, and Harare Province.
The girls displayed unwavering determination and zeal from the very first whistle, resulting in them topping the group with 8 points and securing a semi-final berth.
In the semi-finals, the Masvingo girls, affectionately known as the “Wezhira girls,” ruthlessly crushed their opponents, Midlands Province, by a score of 18-0.
Anita Manyiyo was the standout performer, outplaying her opponents and showcasing dazzling basketball skills.
In the finals, Masvingo locked horns with Manicaland.
The Masvingo girls left nothing to chance from the get-go, dominating the play from the early stages of the game.
Charlene Madzingo was on a scoring spree, netting the bulk of Masvingo’s baskets.
Manicaland tried to turn the tables, but that was never to be, thanks to the defensive prowess of Talent Mafushe, which kept Manicaland at bay, with them only managing to net 3 baskets to Masvingo’s 11.
Elated coach Social Hungwe expressed his excitement, stating, “I feel excited, and I look forward to performing well in the Confederation of Southern Africa Schools Sports Association (COSSASA) games.”
The Provincial Education Director (PED), Shylatte Mhike, was delighted with the exceptional performance of the girls, as they managed to “fly the Masvingo Province’s flag high”.
The Masvingo Under-14 Girls basketball team is dominated by learners from rural schools, a testament to the fact that many rural schools have embraced the sport that was traditionally seen as for the urbanites.
