Online Reporter
Media Mpofu, Zimpapers Sports Hub
PAMUSHANA High School of Masvingo cemented their legacy as netball powerhouses after clinching the 2025 Stella Tea Under 17 national title in a dramatic final that gripped Tsholotsho High School to the last whistle.
They edged out defending champions Filchrist 38-35 in a thrilling contest that lived up to its billing, a true duel of champions.
It was a high stakes showdown between two of the country’s most polished school netball sides and it didn’t disappoint. With the crowd holding its breath and the game swinging like a pendulum, the final delivered both pace and precision, passion and poise.
The sides were locked 20 all at halftime. By the end of the second stanza, Pamushana had nosed ahead 28-27. The final quarter was a gritty scrap and Pamushana held their nerve when it mattered, pulling off a narrow but deserved win.
Their journey to the top began with dominance at provincial level, where they won the Masvingo title to qualify for this National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash) tournament, sponsored by Tanganda’s Stella Tea brand.
Mauya, making their national debut, punched above their weight to finish third, while Zvishavane, flying the Midlands flag, came fourth.
Each of the 12 participating teams walked away with US$500, kits, and beverages. The champions Pamushana pocketed US$5,000, kits and gold medals. Filchrist earned US$4,000 for their runner-up finish, Mauya took home US$3,100 and Zvishavane received US$2,300.
Kwirirai Chigerwe, a senior manager from the sponsoring company, praised Nash for its inclusive approach to the tournament’s hosting.
“I appreciate Nash for their way of doing things, of spreading the event around the country and giving everyone an equal share of the tournament,” said Chigerwe.
“No place is too far to be reached, leaving no place behind in terms of getting an opportunity to host a national tournament.”
He confirmed Stella’s continued commitment to grassroots sport, announcing their support for the upcoming Cossasa Games in Eswatini, set for August 26–30.
The guest of honour, Matabeleland North Provincial Education Director Jabulani Mpofu, also applauded the sponsors for their long standing support, a partnership that dates back to the mid-1990s.
“This brings my memory to the likes of Nicole Muzanenhamo, Sharon Bwanali, Felistus Kwangwa and Thandazile Ndlovu, who are now doing justice to the Stella Tea netball tournament in the Gems squad. They once starred for their schools in this very event,” Mpofu said.
Individual Awards
Best Defender: Meline Sibanda (Filchrist)
Best Centre: Blessing Mwakiyanda (Zvishavane)
Best Goal Shooter: Nyaradzo Mufunda (Pamushana)
Player of the Tournament: Ashley James
Full Results
Pool A
Filchrist 18-8 Mweyamutsvene
Mweyamutsvene 4-11 Zvishavane
Filchrist 14-5 Zvishavane
Pool B
Christianers 5-17 Mauya
Pamushana 20–4 Mauya
Pamushana 19–1 Christianers
Pool C
Tsholotsho 14–8 Mufakose
Rusununguko 10–9 Mufakose
Tsholotsho 17–10 Rusununguko
Pool D
Mosi Oa Tunya 14–7 St Joseph’s
Sobukazi 20–14 St Joseph’s
Sobukazi 24–11 Mosi Oa Tunya
Quarterfinals
Filchrist 19–5 Rusununguko
Pamushana 26–6 Mosi Oa Tunya
Zvishavane 17–6 Tsholotsho
Mauya 14–11 Sobukhazi
Semifinals
Filchrist 29–14 Zvishavane
Pamushana 29–6 Mauya
Final
Pamushana 38–35 Filchrist
