Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE professionally run Mutare netball outfit, Santa Queens, who did well to end the 2025 Rainbow Netball League in fourth position, last Thursday night awarded their outstanding players of the season.
Perisinevi Tabviroona scooped both the player of the year and the fans’ favourite player of the year awards.
The Mutare netball powerhouse finished eighth in last year’s Rainbow Netball League season, and back then, the club leadership believed the maiden top-flight season was a worthwhile learning experience that would spur them to greater heights in upcoming seasons.
Santa Queens, a club from humble beginnings, formed just as a pastime activity for women during the Covid-19 pandemic era, has been in existence for three years, and 2024 was their first season in a top-flight professional netball league.
In his speech during the awards night, Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Misheck Mugadza said: “We really want to applaud Santa Queens for the role that they are playing in empowering young women through the game of netball.
“This is a commendable gesture that also dovetails into the nation’s fight against drug and substance abuse. We will continue to support them in all their endevours as they promote local sporting talent for the benefit of the nation.”
Mugadza was represented by Caristo Tongai Mushaike.
Santa Queens director, Jeansally Chiwambutsa, said: “As Santa Queens, the journey has been phenomenal. We have had our ups and downs, but we remain grateful for the lessons learnt and experienced gained in the game of netball. We are looking forward to more exciting times in the league, and hopefully next season, we will, not only be awarding our players, but celebrating clinching the title.”
Player of the season was Tabviroona, while the defender of the year was Nyarai Garira.
Auxillia Zindi was named the mid-court player of the season, while shooter of the season was given to Felistas Mavhuna.
Jennifer Natasha Matika was named the most disciplined player.
Most promising player award went to Tafadzwa Cathrine Dawa.
Tabviroona also received the fans’ most favourite player of the year award. Most improved player and two coach of the year awards were handed to Nokuthula Zaranyika, Tapiwa Chirenda and Peter Changadeya, respectively.
The fans’ fan favourite was Beaullar Masiyamhuru.
Players favourite fan of the season was Tafara Hilary Mwakazvida.
Magic moment of the season, an award meant to celebrate and recognise the most outstanding moment that turned the game into Santa Queens’ favour and made it possible for us to finish on the 4th position, was handed over to Merjury Mary Marumirofa.
Most first seven features awards were given to Chipo Karasi, Moreblessing Madanha, Ollinda Choto and Marceline Jewel Chikobvu, while the golden hand of the season belonged to Enesi Chavarika
Young manager of the year was Diallo-Kai Savaugn Chiwambutsa.
Honourary awards were also presented at the award ceremony, with manager of the year award being bagged by Stanley Chiwambutsa, while the corporate support award went to Freightzone Logistics.
