Mlotshwa on Independence

Shingai Dhlamini

INDEPENDENCE brought about changes, which benefitted all Zimbabweans, especially women, who were not previously included in many aspects of life.

The advent of independence opened opportunities for women in sport, locally and abroad.

In Zimbabwe, netball is generally viewed as a feminine sport and has been growing in popularity, all thanks to the Gems’ exploits in the 2019 World Cup finals in which they finished in the top eight in the world.

The country has few suitable netball facilities, as football is much more popular. This has seen women’s sports like netball getting less corporate support.

Netball remains an essential part of Zimbabwe’s sporting landscape, and its success on the global stage reflects the dedication and passion of its players and supporters.

Sithulile Mlotshwa, who was born in Bulawayo in 1969 in a family of seven, comprising four males and three females, is one of the stars to emerge from the sport.

She grew up in Makokoba where a number of stars were born and bred. Mlotshwa attended Lotshe Primary School from 1976 to 1982, then went to Sobukhazi Secondary School from 1983 to 1986.

“Almost every sports-person develops an interest in sports at primary school level and I’m also one of those, although I participated in almost every sport whose times clashed in terms of training. I was then forced to make a decision and chose netball, which I was best at,” said Mlotshwa.

When she was in secondary school, she met a friend, Bahle Manyathela, who introduced her to a local netball club, Chopper Netball Club based in Nguboyenja, which later changed in 1989 to Highlanders Netball Club.

In 1990, she got her first call up to the national team, but could not join because of financial problems.

“In 1991, we assembled again for a one-month camp and the trip for the competition, we were practicing for ,did not materialise until 1992. My debut was at a tour in Lilongwe, Malawi.

“During the trip to Malawi, I vividly remember one of the greatest moments was when we sang the national anthem and it gave me goose bumps as I thought about the game and my first time representing my country at such a stage,” she said.

In 1994 Mlotshwa moved to Botswana as a professional netball player to boost her career.
She then became an umpire and coach at club and national team level from her Gaborone base.

“I was coach of the Botswana national netball team in 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2021. Now I’m coaching Notwane Netball Club based in Gaborone and is in the Super League,” she said.

Mlotshwa said that Independence brought positivity for the people of Zimbabwe, but for women in sports, the significance of it has not yet reached a level where it could comfortably be said women are catered for like their male counterparts.

“Male dominated sports are always in the spotlight and they are given more attention and support by the community, and this demotivates and discourages women in sports, as they are not viewed as professionals,” said Mlotshwa.

However, she remains optimistic about the future of women’s sports in Zimbabwe and calls for more support and attention to be given to female athletes.

“We need more investment in women’s sports, more exposure, and more opportunities,” she said.

“We have talented and dedicated women who can excel in any sport and they deserve to be recognised and supported.”

Mlotshwa hopes that her achievements and contributions to netball in Zimbabwe and Botswana will inspire more young women to take up sports and pursue their dreams.

“I believe that sports can change lives and transform communities, and I’m grateful for the opportunities that netball has given me,” she said.

“I encourage young women to follow their passions, work hard and never give up on their dreams.”