Faith Ndou
MUTARE CITY-Santa Queens Netball Club based in Mutare, held their inaugural awards dinner last Thursday at the Zimbabwe College of Forestry celebrating a successful 2025 season in the Rainbow Netball League (RANL).
The event attracted esteemed guests including the Minister of State for Manicaland Advocate Misheck Mugadza and Senator Chief Mutasa, traditional leaders and netball stakeholders also graced the event in support of the rising club.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, chairperson and founder of Santa Queens, Jeansally Chiwambutsa applauded the team’s hard work and resilience over the past two seasons.
“The team joined the league last year and finished 8th. This year, they improved to 4th place. That’s why we decided to hold this special ceremony to honour their efforts,” she said.
“This league is very competitive, every game feels like a final. Our players remained focused and we are proud of their growth.”
Chiwambutsa also emphasized how sport helps empower girls and steer them away from social ills such as drug abuse and early marriage.
She called for more financial partnerships to help the club remain competitive and continue supporting young female athletes.
Special praise was given to Stanley Chiwambutsa and his company Freightzone Logistics were acknowledged for their outstanding corporate support throughout the year highlighting the family’s deep commitment to the club’s success.
Award Winners List
Manager: Stanley Chiwambutsa
Corporate Support: Freightzone Logistics
Player of the Year &
Fans’ Favourite: Perisinevi M. Tabviroona
Defender of the Year: Nyarai Garira
Mid-Court Player of the Season: Auxillia Zindi
Shooter of the Season: Felistas Mavhuna
Most Disciplined Player: Jennifer Natasha Matika
Most Promising Player: Tafadzwa Cathrine Dawa
Most Improved Player: Nokuthula Zaranyika
Coaches: Tapiwa Chirenda & Peter Changadeya
Fan’s Fan Favourite: Beaullar Masiyamhuru
Players’ Favourite Fan: Tafara Hilary Mwakazvida
Magic Moment of the Season: Merjury Mary Marumirofa
Most 1st 7 Features: Chipo Karasi, Moreblessing Madanha, Ollinda Choto, Marceline Jewel Chikobvu
Golden Hand of the Season:Enesi Chavarika
Young Manager of the Year:Diallo-Kai Savaugn Chiwambutsa
Santa Queens currently compete in the Rainbow Netball League, Zimbabwe’s top-tier women’s netball competition. The league features 21 teams from across the country:1. Tenax Queens – Mutare
2. ZRP Mambas – Harare
3. Correctional Queens – Chikurubi
4. Glow Petroleum Queens – Mashonaland West
5. Khami Queens – Bulawayo
6. Shamva Queens – Shamva
7. Golden Valley – Kadoma
8. Coal City – Hwange
9. Ruwa Queens – Ruwa
10. Support Unit Queens – Chikurubi
11. Agape Queens – Harare
12. Shamva Urban – Shamva
13. Hot Angels – Harare
14. Zengeza Queens – Chitungwiza
15. Pistons Queens – Harare
16. Hi-Fliers Queens – Marondera
17. Santa Queens – Mutare
18. Beitbridge Queens – Beitbridge
19. Mbare Angels – Harare
20. Masvingo Panthers – Masvingo
21. Gwanda Angels – Gwanda
Santa Queens have set their sights on the 2026 season with renewed confidence and hope for greater achievements.
