Andrew
Veronica Gwaze in Pretoria, South Africa
THE Gems’ 49-41 win over Botswana saw Tafadzwa Matura cut the figure of a ‘star in the making’.
Her Player-of-the-Match performance helped Zimbabwe get off to a brilliant start to the 2023 World Netball Cup Qualifiers quest in Pretoria, South Africa, as they made light work of Botswana on Monday.
Matura, who also turns out for ZDF Queens, turned out to be the difference between the two sides, but gave credit to the team for covering up for each other’s weaknesses and starting off the tournament with a big win.
“It was sluggish at first, however we identified the areas that needed adjusting, and it worked in the end.
“We have been preparing for this tournament for a long time, and it is time to reap the rewards,” she said.
After the match, the lanky goal shooter had a reflective moment, during which she chronicled all the work and sacrifices she went through to get to this point.
“I hated netball, and instead had interest in athletics and volleyball. My life was all about these two sports,” revealed Matura.
“I only started playing netball at the behest of my brother, who forced me to play the sport, and would even beat me up just so that I could attend training.
“In a way, it left me without a choice.”
Lucky for her, Matura took to netball like a fish to water, and showed a quick understanding of the sport.
What stood out was her height, and she soon became the first-choice shooter on her brother’s team.
After bagging several accolades with Masvingo’s Tamuka Secondary School, Matura got a scholarship to complete her studies at Pamushana Mission, and it is there where she perfected her craft.
In 2012, Matura joined Harare City Queens, where she made her professional debut, before moving to Falcon Queens the following year.
The move proved to be the right choice, as she joined the Air Force and is Corporal rank.
In 2016, her first national team call-up came up, and she made her international debut during the Pent series in Namibia.
She was also part of the team that participated at the World Cup qualifiers in Zambia in 2018, although she did not make cut for the finals in Liverpool the following year.
“When I did not make it for the 2019 World Cup squad, I told myself that I had to put in more work into my personal schedule,” said Matura.
“I had to dedicate more hours and worked even harder, so that I would be ready when the chance came back again.”
That chance has come back again.
Zimbabwe are hoping to make the grade for 2023 Netball World Cup, and Matura has already starred in their first game.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter