Sikhulile lift U-17 Netball Championship
BULAWAYO’S Sikhulile ended Pamushana’s reign when they lifted the Stella Tea Under-17 Netball finals held at White City Stadium last Friday.
Sikhulile, which had missed the cup for seven years, showed great character and determination which saw them winning the coveted cup 19-17 in a tightly contested match.
It was a match which Gladys Chavapo played a blinder directing operations from the center, playing a game of her life that also earned her a place in the Zimbabwe national team to represent the country in Gaborone, Botswana next month.
She will be joined by Nicole Muzanenhamo, Gladys Chavapo and Ntando Sibanda all from the champions, Sikhulile.
Nicole Muzanenhamo, a Form One student who is just 14 years old, was a marvel to watch as she scored 14 goals that helped her team to lift the cup in the narrow win.
Sibanda was rock steady in defence and thwarted all the moves by a rejuvenated Pamushana from Masvingo in the last quarter. Nobukhosi Ndlovu the goalkeeper for the Bulawayo team kept the Pamushana goal attackers at bay.
Conny Buka the external coach for Sikhulile was in cloud nine following the victory.
“I am overwhelmed. The girls played well. I was expecting a win and I give glory to the players who finally brought the cup to Bulawayo after several years of trying. I am thanking the Bulawayo fans for rallying behind the girl child which also meant a lot to the team,” said Buka.
Sikhulile became the first team to fly the Bulawayo flag high and even the fans in the City of Kings rallied behind the team from the first whistle to the end and they were wild celebrations when they won the cup.
It ended the Pamushana reign and Bulawayo is now a force to reckon with in Zimbabwe as far as netball is concerned.
For their efforts Sikhulile pocketed $4 400 with Pamushana taking home $3 200.
Girls High of Harare who came third after beating Mvurwi 12-8 in the third and fourth play offs went home $2 000 richer. Mvurwi from Mashonaland central took home $1 400.
Gladys Chavapo of Sikhulile went home $450 richer when she won two individual prizes.
Individual prizes
Best Defender: Claris Kawande (Pamushana) $200 Best Midfielder: Gladys Chavapo (Sikhulile) $200 Top Goalscorer: Nicole Muzanenhamo (Sikhulile) $200 Best Player: Gladys Chavapo (Sikhulile) $ 250
Zimbabwe Under-17 Cosasa team Happines Maroto, Lopez Vik (Girls High) Ebenezer Karuru (Mvurwi) Rumbidzai Chikwara (Mnene) Michelle Muzanenhampo Gladys Chavapo, Ntando Sibanda (Sikhulile) Joyline Ndlovu, Claris Kwaramba, Samita Misi (Pamushana) Liona Moyo, Bengo Nyoni (Chekai)