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Veronica Gwaze in Cape Town, South Africa
IF there is an athlete who proved how a great showing at the Netball World Cup can transform the course of one’s career and change a background, it is the Zimbabwe senior netball team captain Felisitus Kwangwa.
The only time that she was at the Netball World Cup, she gave a sterling performance that charmed Surrey Storm scouts who went on to be her pay masters.
Kwangwa was instrumental as the Gems secured a position eight finish at the 2019 Netball World Cup in Liverpool.
At the Gems’ maiden World Cup appearance, the 28-year-old Correctional Queens product recorded 44 deflections, 18 intercepts, 119 centre-pass receives and 10 rebounds.
She went on to finish the tournament among the 10 standout players of the tournament, impressing in defence with three Player of the Match gongs.
Her performances charmed Surrey Storm and she became the first Zimbabwean to play in the United Kingdom’s Netball Super League.
In her second season at the club, she emerged the Fans Player of the Season at the Vitality Netball Super League club’s post season awards.
This was her second accolade that year after also walking away with the Coach’s Player of the Season award for standing out with her defensive prowess.
Her accomplishments have materially changed the lives of many people around her.
She contributed to the construction of her parents’ Phelandaba home in Bulawayo, bought them a car as a surprise gift and changed their entire household property, among other things.
She also plays a huge role in her family upkeep.
And approaching the 2023 Netball World Cup where the Gems made a second successive appearance, Kwangwa had everything to play for.
In fact, as she looks forward to renewing her contract with Surrey Storm, she needed to show her paymasters why they need her.
By day six of the competition, the skipper led the intercepts chart with 22 ahead of Australia’s Courtney Bruce who was her closest rival with 19.
Gems rising Goal Keeper Elizabeth Mushore sat on position five with 13 intercepts.
“To me, netball is life and everything else because everything that I have in this life is motivated or influenced by the sport,” she said.
Kwangwa was instrumental in the Gems’ polished show yesterday when they secured the 13th place at the global showcase with a 75-48 win over Barbados.
The defender who was visibly in her defensive best provided the much needed experience, controlling pace and winning countless turnovers in the lopsided affair that had Gems dominating from the onset.
Although Barbados were resistant in some cases, Kwangwa’s experience counted in a big way for the Ropafadzo Mutsauki led side.
With Progress Moyo and Claris Kwaramba in top form in mid-court, Goal Shooter and player of the match Nalani Makunde and Goal Attack Nicole Muzanenhamo were unforgiving at the ring.
Besides introducing Wing Attacker Beaulah Hlungwani briefly for Progress Moyo in the second quarter, Mutsauki did not tamper around with his starting seven.
Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Kirsty Coventry’s presence may have also boosted the team’s confidence as she cheered from the stands.
“Whenever I step on court, I play my heart out and enjoy the game and whatever comes out of it is a bonus…this is what I did in both World Cup appearances,” she said.
“In 2019 I simply enjoyed the game and the Surrey deal actually came as a surprise.
“Being part of the Surrey Storm family is phenomenal, apart from moulding me as a player, a lot has also changed socially and at home.”
The skipper’s rise through the netball ranks has been a remarkable one, after being introduced to the sport for the first time at the age of 10 at Bulawayo’s Mtshede Primary School.
Equally excelling in football and athletics at the time, it is her talent that eventually transformed her life.
The Economic History Honours degree holder notes that the current Gems’ fold is composed of youthful players with a lot of potential.
She acknowledges that although the road to Cape Town was not easy, the youthful squad put up great performances.
“I learn a lot at Surrey and coming home, I share the lessons, this is what we do as a team.
“This time, I told them (Gems) to get out there, play to enjoy the game and whatever the result is, be ready to work harder again tomorrow.
“It is important for us to play at the World Cup because we do not have other international platforms to participate in, so coming here, the team needed to be acutely aware of what the opportunity means.
“For me, another World Cup dance was more inspirational than it is pressure, I simply enjoyed the game.”
Online Reporter