The Sunday Mail
SHE is one of the longest serving players in the Netball Super League but has nothing to show for it.
Nomatter Changata has been playing top flight netball for 12 years but success has been evading the wing attacker who started her career at Silo Queens in 2005.
“It’s been a long journey with little joy,” said the 32-year-old.
But Changata may have something to smile about at the end of the current season as she is part of a Harare City Queens side that is leading the log with just two games to go.
“I want the championship medal badly, not having it after so many years of playing netball really hurts,” said the player who joined City last season.
Changata has led from the front as skipper as her team has only lost once this season, to Glow Petroleum, and appreciates what needs to be done to land the championship. “We need to win all the remaining games,” she said.
“As the captain I believe we can go all the way and win our maiden title. We have games against, Correctional Services Queens, and Golden Valley.
“We respect all opponents but I think the Correctional Queens game is the toughest among our remaining fixtures. They are a big team and are second on the log but to be the best you need to beat the best.”
Correctional Queens are two points behind Harare City on 56 points after 29 games and have also suffered one loss.
While the journey to a first league title appears well marked, Changata has no idea what she needs to do in order to finally earn a national team cap.
She has been called up for national camp on several occasions but always fail to make the cut.
“God’s time is the best,” she remarked.
“I am grateful to have received these call ups in the past and will honour them when they come.
“However, right now my focus is on winning the Super League for Harare City. I believe my experience will come in handy when the pressure is really on.
“Growing up I used to walk seven kilometers from Old Mabvuku to Tafara every day to play netball, that toughened me “. At 32, how long can she still play?
“I am still fit and believe I can play for ten more years. However, I am already starting to work towards getting my coaching certificates so that one day I can be involved in nurturing talent.”
