Chronicle Editor
Langalakhe Mabena, Sunday News Reporter
THE Zimbabwe national debate team which was contesting at this year’s World Schools Debate Championship (WSDC) which was held at Hanoi in Vietnam from 20 to 27 July, represented the country very well as they managed to bow out of the tournament at the quarter finals stage.
Over sixty countries including China, Pakistan, Singapore, Australia, to mention a few, participated at this year’s tournament.
For those who may not understand the magnitude of this tournament, one can say that it is equivalent to the Fifa World Cup, but instead of soccer, it’s a high school debate competition.
The national team comprised Captain Menzimuhle Craig Ncube (Bulawayo Province), Mukudzeiishe Madzivire (Bulawayo Province), Shamiso Arïel Chiza (Harare Province) and Denver Musamirapamwe (Mashonaland East Province).
The technical team included Maison Maphosa (Head Coach), Mary Anne Nazombe, Thembani Khumalo, Methembe Mthimkhulu, Nkosilathi Nkala and Providence Nhongo who are all assistant coaches.
After conquering the first stage of the tournament, the team participated in the Partial Double Octos on 25 July, where they faced Croatia and emerged victorious with a stunning 3-0 win. In the Octo-Finals, they went head-to-head with Bangladesh and secured a hard-fought victory with a score of 3-2, in favour of Zimbabwe.
They then faced Malaysia who thrashed them to get a seat at the semi-finals.
In the semis, the four counties who were on that stage include the United States of America (USA), Canada, Malaysia and Scotland.
At the end of the tournament, USA and Canada squared off in the finals and USA were crowned as winners of the tournament.
With Zimbabwe ranked on position eight in the world, after their deserved effort at the WSDC, it means that they are currently sitting on position one in Africa.
The head coach Maison Maphosa said he was excited by the achievement made by the team.
“I feel an immense sense of pride and accomplishment as we managed to bow out of the quarter finals. It is a moment of validation for all the hard work, dedication, and training that the team has put in.
“Witnessing the growth and progress of the team throughout the tournament, evoked a mix of emotions ranging from excitement and joy to relief and satisfaction. Besides this, reaching this milestone reflected positively on the coaching and guidance provided by the entire coaching staff,” said Maphosa.
Being number one in Africa is a cherry on top of the cake.
“I am extremely proud and thrilled after my team has been ranked number one in Africa for the second time in a row. It is a tremendous achievement that showcases the hard work, dedication, and talent of our debaters.
“Being ranked as the top team in Africa validates our consistent performance and the progress we have made in our debating journey. It is a reflection of the collective effort put in by the debaters, coaching staff, and parents, who have worked tirelessly to improve our game and achieve success.
“This accomplishment not only brings immense joy and satisfaction to me as a coach but also instils a sense of pride in our nation. It shows that we are on the right path and have the potential to compete at the highest level internationally,” said Maphosa.
Bongani Ndlovu