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Veronica Gwaze
Sports Reporter
CHRISTINE KADANDARA’s netball life spanning close to two decades has entirely been that of rare sacrifices.
The Glow Petroleum Netball Queens goal shooter, who also plays goalkeeper, last weekend left fans speechless at the Stodart Netball Complex.
She turned up with a baby bump, as she is eight months pregnant. Not only that, she played a crucial role in her team’s potential title decider against Correctional Queens.
Having won the championship in the past three seasons, Glow eventually suffered a 34-37 defeat at the hands of the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service-sponsored Correctional Queens, with the latter moving top of the log table with 71 points in 36 games, while the former are in second place with 69.
Both sides are yet to fulfil two more fixtures. It is likely that both will win their two remaining games.
A heavily pregnant Kadandara had to turn up for her side in their quest to defend their title for the fourth year running.
“It may appear risky to others, but I felt okay to play,” said Kadandara.
“Throughout my pregnancy, I have been on the court, so this was not anything new to me or the baby.”
Despite the clash having been highly explosive and action-packed, with opponent goal shooter Pretty Banda red-carded in the first quarter, Kadandara had the moment of her life.
The former Sally Mugabe Central Hospital nurse is not new to a life of sacrifice.
Kiri, as she is affectionately known, often trades the bib and sneakers for a pair of scrubs to save lives. She was one of the millions of selfless men and women who had to care for patients every day, risking their lives as Covid-19 ravaged the world back in 2020.
Interestingly, amid its severity, the pandemic was the least of her worries. All she ever dreamt of during the Covid-19-induced lockdown was simply to return to the netball court.
“Everything that I do, I do it wholeheartedly. I love nursing and netball in equal measure,” said Kadandara, who has since left nursing.
“Now, I am a Glow Petroleum employee, and it may sound funny, but I enjoy what I am doing and look forward to each working day.”
Last season, she was crowned the RNL 2023 Golden Hand winner after netting 1 203 goals.
She has been a vital cog in the Kwekwe-based side’s dominance in the Pickglow-sponsored league for the past three seasons.
“Winning the Golden Hand last season came as a huge surprise and it later made me realise that passion and dedication can win you trophies,” she said.
“This season we are rebuilding and some of our players are yet to mature, so playing big games like this one (against Correctional Queens), you feel compelled regardless of the situation. My life revolves around netball and today (last weekend) was one of those rare moments when you have to make sacrifices.”
The former national team defender was instrumental in the Gems’ qualification for their maiden World Cup appearance in 2019, although she could not make it to the finals in Liverpool.
The imposing player, who is marvelled for being solid as a rock, was also consistent throughout 2023.
She said she takes every match day as another chance to play her heart out.
“I always put in extra hours on my training schedule, and it is often these teams (including Correctional Queens) that I have in mind whenever I go through my routines,” Kadandara said.
“I am not underestimating other opponents, but there is that pride and the bragging rights that come with facing the big names. You always want to play a role in the team when confronted with these situations.”
Online Reporter