Phakamani High handball players make it to the national team

Nkosilathi Sibanda

PHAKAMANI High School in Plumtree, Matabeleland South is on the verge of becoming a force to reckon with in handball, with its girls’ team doing well at the recently held National Association of Secondary Heads (Nash) Under-20 national finals held at Kwekwe High school.

Although finishing seventh out of 12 schools in the national finals, Phakamani High school’s players’ performance left an impressive mark.

Two of the school’s players, Simiso Moyo and Esther Ndlovu made it to the national team that is set for the Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa (Cossasa) ball games later in the year.

Both players displayed good technique on the ball throughout their matches, earning themselves a national team call up.
The players’ achievements were testimony of the school’s performances at national level.

Phakamani and Shangani Secondary School have been regulars at Nash competitions and have recorded good results representing Matabeleland South.

In their first game, Phakamani drew 3-3 with Nyamhunga High in Group B. In the second game, they defeated Bradley School 7-4. They finished second in Group B that was eventually led by Nyamhunga.

In Group A was Kwekwe, Zengeza and Mutambwi.
Group C had Mount Selinda, Madziwa and Matabeleland North’s Nhlambabaloyi.
Group D consisted of Sizalendaba Mubereki and Gumbanjera.

Gumbanjera were crowned champions after they beat Nyamhunga 7-5 in the final.
Nyamhunga High of Mashonaland West and Mutambwi of Masvingo settled for second and third positions.

For Phakamani High School, it was worth the effort, according to the school’s coach Nation Ncube.
“We are proud of our girls, they did well in representing the province,” said Ncube.

The school’s two selected players to the national team Simiso Moyo and Esther Ndlovu were elated.
The handball schools’ inter-provincials will be held in Mutare at a date to be announced.