-as 3 selected into national team
By Johannes Mike Mupisa
MWENEZI-Mwenezi Government Technical High School’s Under-17 girls’ netball team has cemented its place among Zimbabwe’s emerging schools’ sporting powerhouses after producing a remarkable performance to finish third at the Stella Tea National Netball Championships held at Plumtree High School last Friday.
Affectionately known as the Mwenezi Netball Queens, the girls proved that their district title was no coincidence as they battled through a highly competitive field to return home with bronze medals and national recognition.
The Queens opened their campaign with a determined 29-25 victory over Katanga before overpowering Mosi Oa Tunya 30-13 to advance comfortably from the group stages.
Their impressive form continued in the quarter-finals where they dismantled Zvishavane 35-19 to secure a place in the semi-finals.
Although they suffered a 49-31 defeat in the last four, the team showed tremendous character by bouncing back to thrash Katanga 43-22 in the third-place play-off and seal the national bronze medal.
Pamushana Secondary School were crowned national champions, while Mauya Secondary finished as runners-up, leaving Mwenezi Government Technical High School to complete the podium in an outstanding national campaign.
The team’s achievement was celebrated during a colourful medal presentation ceremony held on Tuesday afternoon before the entire school community.
Sports Director Mr Alexio Tirivavi applauded the girls for their resilience and commitment throughout the tournament before presenting them with their prizes, which included US$2 000 in prize money, two netballs, a complete netball kit, Stella tea leaves and bronze medals.
Head coach Taruvinga Mashindi attributed the team’s success to unwavering discipline, sacrifice and teamwork.
“This achievement is the product of hard work and discipline. Without commitment and sacrifice, these girls would never have reached this stage. Despite the intensity of the competition, they fought with courage and refused to be intimidated. I salute these queens for their determination and resilience. I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to my technical team, Joyful Matsvaire and Rumbidzai Mudavanhu. Without your dedication, this success would not have been possible.”
The celebrations were marked by an emotional moment when Mashindi embraced her husband in appreciation of the milestone, highlighting the crucial role family support plays in sporting success.
The team’s outstanding performances also earned national recognition, with Talent Shoko, Rudo Garahwa and Munasa Thembiso selected to represent Zimbabwe at the forthcoming COSSASA Games, where they will don the national colours.
School Head Cuthbert Chuma congratulated the players and coaching staff for raising the school’s profile on the national stage but urged them not to rest on their laurels.
“We are immensely proud of what you have achieved. However, this should only be the beginning. We now want you to work even harder and challenge schools like Pamushana that have dominated school sport for many years. Our dream is to become national champions, and I believe this team has the potential to achieve that.”
Chuma also announced plans to invite former Zimbabwe Gems stars Progress Moyo and Beaulah Hlungwani, both products of Mwenezi, to mentor the current crop of players and inspire them to reach even greater heights.
The celebrations were attended by the entire teaching staff, with Deputy Head Takudzwa Muzhunduki joining learners in celebrating the achievement, reflecting the collective pride shared by the school community.
The team’s success has also inspired other sporting disciplines within the school.
Head soccer coach Asaf Msindo said the netball team’s achievement had provided valuable lessons on what it takes to succeed at the highest level.
“As a football coach, I have drawn valuable lessons from the success of our netball team. Their achievement has shown that commitment, discipline and hard work are the foundations of excellence in sport. We are determined to raise our training standards so that we can compete with established sporting giants such as Pamushana and Rusununguko, who have consistently dominated national competitions.
“Another important lesson is that Mwenezi District needs viable sports clubs and academies that can provide young athletes with continuous, structured training throughout the year. Such institutions would help our children remain technically and physically prepared for elite competition. We therefore make a promise to the people of Mwenezi that our boys’ soccer team will work tirelessly and return next year ready to compete for national honours.”
With three players now set to represent Zimbabwe at the COSSASA Games and a growing culture of sporting excellence taking root, Mwenezi Government Technical High School continues to establish itself as one of the country’s fastest-rising centres of excellence in school sport. The Netball Queens’ bronze medal is more than just a podium finish—it is a statement that Mwenezi has arrived on the national stage and is determined to challenge for the ultimate prize in the years ahead.
