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Ellina Mhlanga Senior Sports Reporter
GROWING up in the rural area of Mberengwa, netball player Takadanaishe Zimusi never imagined competing at a global stage someday. The 26-year-old made the Zimbabwe national netball team final selection for the first time and will be part of the side that will compete at the Netball World Cup from July 28 to August 6.
This is a dream come true for the Mberengwa-born netball star.
“When I started playing netball I never thought that someday I would go to the World Cup or just make it into the national team.
“But the people around me kept on encouraging me after seeing my potential. They encouraged me to continue playing and to work hard because they would say you can make the national team; you have the potential.
“But personally, also having left netball for some time, and no one in our family really went far with sport, I never imagined myself going to a World Cup. “Being part of the team going to the World Cup this year, I am more than happy. I have always wanted to play for Zimbabwe. So right now I am really excited and I promise to do my best on the court.”
Zimusi plays in goal defence, goal keeper and wing defence.
Netball is a family affair and a passion that runs in the family as her three sisters also played netball in school. However, she is the first from her family to have made a major breakthrough.
Her journey began at Mangonde Primary School in Mberengwa and although it was not easy growing up in the rural areas with less exposure, the encouragement from her family and close friends kept her going. These were the first people to acknowledge her talent.
“I have three sisters; they all played netball. So I would watch them playing and really get excited seeing them playing so well, and I just thought of playing netball as well.
“I didn’t get the opportunity to represent Zimbabwe at junior level. From my own view, I grew up in the rural areas, went to school in the rural areas and it’s rare for children in rural areas to get the opportunity to be noticed in terms of their talent.
“For me to be where I am today I had to move to Bulawayo where I was staying with my sister… My coach from High School got in touch with another coach at Lupane and he called for me for trials. I did well, and joined the club, that was in 2017.”
She played just two games for the club before moving to Karoi and in 2018 she joined Rhinos. However, in 2019 she took a break from the sport as she moved to South Africa.
On her return in 2020 she joined Harare City and has been with the club since then under the guidance of Ropafadzo Mutsauki, who is also the Gems coach. Zimusi’s first assignment with the Gems was the Spar Diamond Challenge in November.
“I believe anything is possible no matter where you are coming from…Sometimes children from rural areas do not get opportunities but if they are encouraged and supported I believe they can make it.
“And I believe my story can inspire some of them who are in the same situation as me. So I would say if you know you are talented in any sport and pursue it, it can change your life,” said Zimusi.
Gems coach Mutsauki described Zimusi as a disciplined player.
“What is so important for every player is discipline. Takadanaishe is very disciplined and eager to learn… Nothing beats working with a disciplined player.
“What’s important is wherever you are, do your best even at school you never know who is watching because it is at such platforms that your talent is noticed,” Mutsauki said.
Online Reporter