The Sunday Mail
ZIMBABWEAN netball has a new gem.
As the country eyes a ticket to the 2015 World Cup in Australia, Sharon Bwanali, a 17-year-old Pamushana High School student, is being touted as the next big thing.
She is part of the squad that is expected to go into camp soon ahead of next month’s World Cup qualifiers in Botswana.
A fortnight ago at Nyamhunga High in Kariba, Pamushana asserted their status as one of the best schools team in the sport, easing to a third consecutive Tanganda Stella title.
They clobbered provincial rivals Mwenezi 36-19 in the final and, as expected, Bwanali, a shooter blessed with both agility and precision, was the star of the show.
Her performance was the latest addition to a story that has already seen her claiming the best player award at the Africa Youth Games in Botswana in May this year.
Her purple patch could not be missed by the national team coaches.
“I am so glad, I can’t describe it, when I heard that I had been selected for the national team, my mind went wild.
“I am ready to step up to the national team and I know it won’t be an easy transition. I will have to put in a lot of effort, believe in God first, myself and my coaches,” said Bwanali, who is also the national Under-17 team skipper.
Pamushana coach Simba Mlambo believes not even the sky can be the limit for the “hardworking” goal shooter.
“She is crucial to our team and a player that makes everyone believe because of her positive character.
“Sharon has the sport at heart and now she can only get better as she has been called up to the national team where she will learn more about the game.
“I believe with the right guidance she will go far,” he said.
