Sibanda’s memorable year!

MEHLULI Sibanda likes to keep it cool, calm and quiet.

Despite making steady progress in his tennis career this year, Sibanda is not letting that go to his head but sees value in working harder and remaining sober.

“I like to keep my goals secret, I know I have had a good year and have progressed reasonably well, but to talk of what I am aiming for next year or what ranking I would love by a certain stage, no, that’s not me.

“I have got other means to motivate MARY-ANNE MUSONDA could not have asked for a better Christmas present than being handed the keys to the Lady Chevrons.

The 27-year old was recently appointed captain of the Zimbabwe Women’s Cricket team, an elevation she has described as the perfect gift.

“Like most seasoned players, I saw myself as a senior player with commensurate responsibility, nothing more and nothing less. “I was actually content,” said Musonda. “However, this appointment came as a total surprise and I could never have dreamt of a better gift this Christmas.

“My mum has always been supportive of me playing cricket and I remember I could not wait to get home to tell her the news.

“And as soon as I broke the news to her; she stared at me in disbelief and I could tell she was so happy.

“Her face lit up and I could see that this myself, I believe in hard work,” he said.

In June, Sibanda was ranked 1168 in the singles and now he sits on 960.

However, while the 915 ranking he achieved in July remains his highest, the 45-rung drop takes nothing away from the tremendous strides the 19-year-old has made this year.

“I need to keep working hard and do well whenever I play tournaments.

“It’s been a good but tough year considering I had a knee injury in September, so to be playing injury free is pleasing and something quite important to every player,” he said.

The teenager also ended the year on a high note, winning gold for Team Zimbabwe at the African Union Sports Council Region Five Under-20 Youth Games in Botswana recently.

It capped the fine year for him that began with a Davis Cup debut appearance against