Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
PERPETUA SIYACHITEMA has featured in almost every sphere of Zimbabwean netball.
First as a daring playmaker, then as the inspirational captain who led the Gems to a World Cup debut and now as a coach determined to shape the next generation.
Her story is still unfolding, and it begins with an enduring passion for the game.
Recently named assistant coach of the senior women’s national team, Siyachitema sees the move as more than a promotion.
“I just want to add my expertise to the technical team, and obviously, as every other coach, I expect to win upcoming games and tournaments and also to qualify for the 2027 World Cup,” she says.
Her appointment comes as the Zimbabwe Netball Association pushes fresh ideas to strengthen the sport and prepare for the next World Cup in Australia.
It feels like a perfect fit.
In 2019, she captained the history-making Gems side that stunned the world by finishing eighth at their maiden World Cup in Liverpool.
Siyachitema likes the changes she finds on her return.
“One of the things I applaud about Zimbabwe netball is the way selection for the national team is being conducted now,” she says.
“The trials are open to everyone; even those living and playing out of the country, thus giving equal opportunities to aspiring national team players.
“Secondly, the formation of the Zambezi Eagles is a very positive move as it gives us the opportunity to groom younger players for the senior Gems’ side, thereby ensuring continuity.”
Her influence is already visible.
Zimbabwe recently hosted Kenya in a four-day Test Series that included the Zambezi Eagles, a developmental side she coached during the series.
The journey that brought her here began in Chitungwiza when she was nine, juggling basketball and netball at Tasimukira Primary School.
At Seke 5 High School, she kept both sports alive until a coach named Khumalo spotted her and steered her into the Super League.
From Matiza Queens, she followed him to Honde Queens, then Telecel Queens, ZRP PPU in 2004, Gaths Mine Queens in 2006 and Trojan Mine in 2007.
She then joined Railstars Queens, staying until 2013.
In 2014, she became a player-coach at Glow Petroleum, a role that showcased her drive and tactical mind.
By 2015, she was leading the national team to a gold medal at the Africa Championships.
Three years later, she captained the Gems at their first World Cup, where Zimbabwe’s fearless play turned heads.
She retired from international duty after that landmark tournament, but kept Glow Petroleum on top, winning three straight Rainbow Netball League titles from 2021 to 2023 and landing the Coach of the Year award each time.
“I was appointed Glow Petroleum head coach in 2014 and was a player-coach up to 2019 when I retired,” she recalls.
“In 2014, we finished second in the ZINA (Zimbabwe Netball Association) Super League, which was the first time for Glow to register a podium finish.
“In 2021, 2022, 2023, we won the RANL Championship and I was crowned the Coach of the Year in those three consecutive years.”
National duty kept calling.
In 2017, she helped guide the Under-21 team to the Youth World Cup in Botswana, where Zimbabwe finished ninth.
She also coached the Under-20 side at the Region 5 Games, placing second.
Gems head coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki values that shared history.
“This is not the first time we are working together. We have worked together before, and we had a good working relationship,” she said.
“This is a new chapter, and we are looking forward to working together again. Her experience is important to us.”
Siyachitema believes coaching is the best way to give back.
“Because of the passion that I have for netball, I just had to impart my knowledge and experience that I possess and there was no better way of doing it, but coaching,” she said.
Many of her Glow Petroleum proteges — Rudo Karume, Tanaka Makusha, Ursula Ndlovu, Tatenda Dziva, Beaulah Hlungwane, Paidamoyo Tinoza and Nobukhosi Ndlovu — have carried her lessons into the Gems squad.
And she has shared her insight beyond the court, serving on the analysts’ panel for the 2023 World Cup in Cape Town.
Taking up the Gems assistant coach post, Siyachitema says, is “a new chapter in my career”.
“Thanks to Zimbabwe Netball Association for giving me such an opportunity,” she adds.
For someone who has spent her life turning personal triumphs into collective victories, the next chapter feels both inevitable and full of promise.
