Masuku’s moment of truth

THE expression “dream come true” is a cliché in sport.

For the average athlete, such an expression covers several momentous episodes in their storied career.

But none of them can compare to the sacred honour of representing their country.

This is why Russel Masuku feels being selected to represent Zimbabwe on home soil for the Zone VI Handball Tournament is “surreal”.

The Under-18 regional tournament is slated for October 17-23 at the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex and City Sports Centre.

“It is a feeling I cannot describe; a totally unbelievable feeling, and one that has left me at a loss for words,” said the Raffingora-bred 16-year-old.

“It has always been my dream to represent Zimbabwe, and I cannot believe that I will be doing so at home,” he said.

This will be Masuku’s second bite of the cherry, after his first attempt failed at the eleventh hour.

“To be honest, it all seems to be a dream that I don’t want to wake up from.

“It is much special when you consider what has happened in the past.”

Two years ago, he was drafted into the national team but the tournament was called off at the last minute because of the Covid-19 outbreak.

As if that was not enough, his participation at the Zone VI Games almost fell through when it emerged in July that he did not have a passport.

However, fortuitously, the Games were postponed to October, which gave him ample time to put his house in order.

“The Games were originally scheduled for July, and, by then, I did not have a passport.

“I felt my prayers were answered when I heard that the Games had been postponed to this month, and this gave me more time to get a passport,” he said.

It is his love for handball that keeps him going.

“I started playing handball at the age of 10 and have never looked back since.

“Handball is the only sport that I have known, and my singular focus has been to one day represent my country. This is a dream come true for me,” he said.