dyton mupawaenda
Veronica Gwaze-Sports Reporter
A DARK cloud still hovers at Zvishavane’s Bethany Netball Grounds, the atmosphere is tense and training just feels awkward without her.
The late Sibekezelo Ncube had a usual training spot that now cries of her void and has become a constant reminder of her untimely demise.
The 21-year-old “Sbeke’’, as she was affectionately known, collapsed and died during a training session on April 13 and was buried in Bulawayo.
Last week, the team earnestly returned to training after the bereavement break.
But stepping on court took them back to the fateful day when “Sbeke’’, who was popular for her big heart and bubbly character, died.
The former Msiteli High School and Unshaded Netball Academy player exploded on to the professional scene in 2019, playing for Goldreef before moving to Platinum Queens later that year.
“When she came, you could see a bubbly and full of life character,” recalls Platinum Queens manager Patience Duri.
“During training you felt her presence, she was loud, calling her team-mates and was fearless, ready for any challenge.”
Over the years, “Sbeke’’ became one of the team’s trusted characters for her grit and bullishness on the court.
Duri revealed that it was an emotional moment last week when the team resumed training.
“She had a distinct voice tone and aura, made the game fun and just not hearing that voice calling me “Soko bae” was difficult but I am grateful for the moments we shared,” she said.
“Sbeke was also quick to acknowledge when she was wrong on and off the court, understood positive feedback and was genuine to an extent that when she said sorry you knew it came from the heart.” Platinum Queens head coach, Simbarashe Mlambo, still finds it difficult to talk about Ncube.
He described her as a jovial character who could joke and bring life to any situation in camp.
“You would think she never got angry, coming here, she fit into the Platinum family as if she was always there and also respected authority,” he said.
Being back on court without her, added the coach, was a difficult moment for the team.
He said it feels strange and weird because “Sbeke’’ had her usual warm-up spot which now keeps reminding them of her.
“We knew where she would stand, so on the first day, I stood there and said to the team, I am standing in for Sbeke, it was emotional,” he said.
“Sometimes I close my eyes and wish she was there; it is a difficult time.
“You cannot place our best moments with her in one book, we both supported Manchester United and always joked about it.”
Ncube, said the coach, was a football fanatic and even when they watched FC Platinum playing, her passion was visible.
She was also close to Platinum Queens captain Nomagugu Makalima and the two attended the same church.
Makalima said Ncube was a hard worker on court and worshiper in church.
“We spoke the same language in terms of worship and every time she led the worship team I would make sure I take videos . . . it is as if I knew that a time like this would come,” said the Platinum Queens skipper.
Ncube’s team-mate and best friend Priscilla Ndlovu is still traumatised by her (Ncube’s) untimely demise.
The two met when Ncube joined Platinum Queens and became room mates.
Ndlovu said “Sbeke’’ was a free spirit who, however, was quick to draw the line over her dislikes.
“I admired her confidence and character but she had boundaries too.
“First day at training, I was in denial, thinking that she was just late for that day but later the painful reality hit me.
“The pain of losing a best friend is too much for me, hard by the day and the wound is deep.”
She shared memories of how the duo spent time together in Bulawayo during their off season break.
“We would go for milkshakes, swimming and watch netball or football together when we were home in Bulawayo,” Ndlovu said.
“We enjoyed unending disagreements about cooking because she was a better cook and it is memories now, I lost a sister.”
Online Reporter