AndrewTinashe Kusema
Deputy Sports Editor
THE beautiful and close relationship between rising basketball prospect Melissa Mwanza and her mother, Annah, is yet to be documented, but is a sight to behold.
For those fortunate enough to have seen this young talent grow over the last couple of years, they will never forget her mother’s tireless efforts to raise funds for her to travel to the United Sates for the inaugural edition of the Junior NBA World Championships in 2018. For 13 years before then, the mother had never left her daughter’s side, whether it was her biting nails at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in anticipation of her return from the Championships or attending her games. Or simply waking her up for school.
As the world commemorates Mothers’ Day, Melissa Mwanza speaks fondly of her mother’s contribution to her career so far. Just as the 16-year-old is proud of her mother, so is Annah proud of her daughter too.
“We are like sisters — very close.
“Raising a child is challenging especially for a single mother. There are many struggles and obstacles that comes with it, both emotional and financial. However, seeing and witnessing her become the person she is now makes it all worth it,” said the 36-year-old.
Melissa Mwanza is once again in the headlines after receiving a scholarship to attend Putnam Science Academy. The move puts her one step closer to achieving her goal of one day gracing the WNBA.
The news comes as a double celebration for Annah, who turned 36 on Tuesday and today joins other mothers on the planet who are being celebrated on Mother’s Day.
“In as far as presents go, this (Putnam scholarship) tops them all.
“Owing to the lockdown, there is not much to do, but a little bit of baking and spending as much time with my daughter as possible,” she said.
Family appears to be big within the Mwanza household.
“I am fortunate to have my parents and all four of my grandparents alive. They have contributed immensely into moulding me and my daughter into better people. Melissa has always been an athletic person and we noticed this when she was two.
“Being a former basketball player myself, though not professionally, I have supported her dreams from day one. Even the extended family supported us and chipped in as and when they could,” she said.
Melissa is determined to use the Putnam Science Academy opportunity.
“To be honest with you, I never in my wildest dream thought I would get this far, but now that it is here, I have no intention of letting this opportunity slip through my fingers,” said the Girls’ High School learner.
“Too many people have worked hard and put in time to get me here, from my mother (Annah) who has been a pillar of strength and support, to my grandparents, coaches and teachers. I am thankful for their support and have to work even harder for them,” she said.
The scholarship itself already has the 16-year-old’s head in the skies and dreaming big.
“The goal is to one day play in the WNBA, and my ambition is to become the female version of Kobe Bryant,” she said.
Much like her idols who include the late Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and more recently Dwayne Wade – after their encounter at the Junior NBA Championships – the younger Mwanza already has a level head on her shoulders.
“I want to make a name for myself in the sport, and be in a position to, one day, give back to my community,” she said.
Online Reporter