Tanhira’s second bite of the cherry
FAILING to make the cut for the Netball World Cup qualifiers that were held in Pretoria, South Africa, in August has weighed heavily on Lynette Tanhira over the last couple of months.
Much like everyone else, the Platinum Queens goal shooter had to watch the matches on television, as Zimbabwe exceeded expectations and qualified for the World Cup.
In fact, being overlooked was a very bitter pill to swallow.
“After failing to make the cut for the qualifiers, I thought all hope was lost,” said Tanhira.
However, as the Gems regroup yet again for another regional assignment, it seems she now has her groove back after her inclusion in the 17-member team for the Diamond Challenge slated for November 19-26 in Durban, South Africa.
Zimbabwe make their return to the tournament after a three-year sabbatical.
Their last sojourn earned them a bronze medal.
“After getting this call up, the spark in me is back.
“I am ready to work harder than last time and prove my worth,” she said.
The towering goalie made her debut at the Pent Series in Windhoek, Namibia, last year.
She was part of the team that finished third at the invitational tournament.
Uganda emerged victorious, while Malawi came second.
“My debut was scary,” recalls the 24-yearold shooter.
“All eyes were on me; I was at the deep end and had to carry the team.
“The position is very demanding. The now-retired Pauline Jani set the bar very high and everyone expected me to fit in.
“I am learning every day,” she said. Such is the enormous shadow Jani cast that some netball fans question if Tanhira will be able to fill her shoes.
Tanhira is well aware of the task that lies
ahead.
“I am aware that I have to improve every single day, and camp will provide me with the opportunity to learn from the seniors and absorb as much as I can,” she said.
“I am already dreaming big and want to feel the World Cup ecstasy.
“I also wish to play in England and this is the opportunity to perfect my art and prove that I have what it takes.
“I understand that we play as a team, so this is not about personal glory.
“However, as an individual, you need to give it your all and shine.”
Her Journey
Tanhira’s netball journey began at St Peter’s Kubatana in Highfield, when she was still in Form Three. One of her teachers persuaded her to try out the sport because of her height. She took to the sport like a fish to water. She later got a scholarship to study at Girls High School for her Advanced Level. Ironically, there was no netball at the school. But that same year, the lanky shooter guided her basketball team to the national title.
“It was a precious moment for me,” said Tanhira of her championship-winning season.
After school, in 2017, she was offered a job at Glow Petroleum, where she had to play netball and also work as a fuel attendant in Bulawayo.
“The level of competition was now different, and I had a lot to learn.
“It (competition) kept me grounded and made me push myself harder as I had to provide for my family,” she said.
The following year, she joined Mhondoro-based side Ngezi Platinum, before moving to her current team Platinum Queens in 2019.
“Life at Platinum was different. We trained intensely every day.
“I was not used to it and had to adjust to the new training regime there.
“My teammates made the place feel like home, and I eventually got the hang of everything there.”