Mafuta leads from the front

Brighton Zhawi
Defending and attacking are her areas of expertise! And these are talents Media Mafuta, a local soldier with the Zimbabwe National Army, has taken onto the volleyball court where she recently proved she is the best attacker in the region.

Throw her on the netball court and it is where her defensive skills shine. The 34-year-old inspired Harare City women’s volleyball team to their maiden Zone VI Club Championships in Bulawayo a fortnight ago and she still smiles when that story is brought up.

“I am happy with our success,” she said.
“Personally, it’s wonderful to finally win this title after previous failures and scooping the best attacker award was just icing on the cake I needed for the tournament.”

The Harare City vice-captain is 34 and fit as a fiddle.

“I am a soldier; I have endurance and giving up isn’t in my vocabulary. As a senior player I had to encourage my team mates and instil belief into them as I told them that this was our tournament.

“It paid off; we played as a team and I felt the need to lead by example with my performance,” said Mafuta who had previously failed to win the Zone VI Championship with ZRP Bulawayo and Support Unit.

Next up for Harare City is the African Club Championships slated for Egypt in March. Mafuta, who is also a national ladies team key player admits it will be tough, but that won’t stop them from giving it their all.

“We have to work hard, play smart and more importantly remain disciplined as a team. I know for sure we won’t be favourites, but we have to play our hearts out to give ourselves the best possible chances,” she said. The Rugare-born and bred player is a sports stalwart who is also a defender in the national netball team.

“I love these two sports, that’s the truth and it’s a privilege to play both at the highest level,” Mafuta said. I was an active girl since my school days; I played soft ball, did athletics, and dappled in ladies soccer. However, volleyball and netball have always been my two favourite sports.” Thirty-four is only a number to Mafuta, and she has no plans of retiring any time soon.

“I am fit, we always get fitness programmes from our coaches and personally you have to go the extra-mile to stay sharp. Maybe a career-ending injury is what will stop me, but I believe I still have the ability to play at the highest level.

“I have also acquired level one coaching and refereeing certificates,” she said. Qualifications she is already using to give back to her community of Rugare.

“Whenever I am free I coach at Rugare Primary and Great Hope College,” she said.