ZIMUSI BREAKS DOWN

Zimpapers Sports Hub

TAKADANAISHE ZIMUSI broke down as she received the Fans Player of the Year prize at the belated Premier Netball League awards in Harare on Saturday night.

The Harare City mainstay has consistently been snubbed despite her outstanding talent.

But a towering performance that lifted the financially-troubled municipal club to third place in 2024 was just enough to earn the love from the fans.

She claimed a landslide in an online poll held in three phases between December last year and January.

And the Gems Wing/Goal Defender couldn’t contain her emotions when receiving her crown.

“I would like to thank everyone in the netball fraternity. I can really feel the love. I feel appreciated and challenged at the same time,” said Zimusi.

“Sport is all about unity and the love for each other. I can feel both at the same time. I am really humbled to get this recognition in a league full of lovely players.

“Look, the league is very competitive and to have the fans go for your name is something that shouldn’t be taken for granted.

“I will treasure this accolade for the rest of my life. Special thanks go to all my Harare City teammates, my coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki and my family.”

Zimusi was a huge part in Harare City’s competitiveness, especially at a time when they were struggling to keep the players motivated before getting things right in the final phases of the marathon.

She led the team to third-place and they also got their bronze medals, a trophy and a cash prize during the same ceremony.

Champions ZDF Queens and runners-up Black Rhinos got their recognition too.

It is ZDF Queens star Thandekile Mahlangu who got the biggest individual prize as she was voted the Player of the Year after shining brightest in her team’s championship feat.

Zimusi’s teammate Blessing Kahari got the Players’ Player of the Year award with ZDF Queens’ Sharon Bwanali getting the Golden Hand for being the best shooter in the league.

Beitbridge utility star Elizabeth Mushore was rewarded for being the outstanding Gems player for last season while Black Rhinos coach Rangarirai Musarurwa got the Coach of the Year accolade with Harare District getting the Most Improved Team’s prize.