The Sunday Mail
Deputy Sports Editor
IN the absence of a father, and following the death of her grandfather, the duty of making sure Melissa Mwanza fulfils her dream of one day plying her trade in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has fallen to her mother, Anna Mwanza.
And the senior Mwanza fears that dream could come to a premature end.
Melissa is currently on a scholarship at Putnam Science Academy, having been identified by NBA Africa as a potential basketball star in 2017.
She previously travelled to Orlando at a tender age of 13 and participated in the Junior NBA World Championships representing Team Africa.
The team came third, with the former Girls High learner finishing with the second-best statistics and many American institutions knocking at her door.
Putman Science Academy, an elite institution that costs US$53 400 per annum, won the race for her signature.
The Connecticut-based school offered her a three-year scholarship.
However, the scholarship only covers 93 percent of her tuition, and Melissa’s grandfather, who had been covering the balance, died in December.
The situation has not been made any easier by the fact that the institution has since reduced their contribution from the initial 93 percent to 81.
“It is really tough and we are quickly running out of options and time to raise her fees.
“It’s a private school, which costs about US$53 000 to attend, per year.
“Financial aid is chipping in US$43 400 and we are required to pay the US$10 000 difference.
“It used to be less, with financial aid chipping in something like 93 percent, and my father (Melissa’s grandfather) was on hand to help.
“He is late now,” Anna said.
“Due to economic hardships, and being a single parent, I have been struggling to raise the money for her (Melissa).
“She is a very bright kid, who works hard and is actually doing well in class and on the court.
“I have about two months to raise the balance and I don’t really have those many options and time.
“AGoFundMe (PleasehelpMelissafromZimbabwecompleteherhighschool) campaign is now her last hope.”
The target is US$11 900, including additional costs for medical aid cover.
A vibrant and ambitious kid, Melissa dreams of one day gracing the WNBA and also becoming a lawyer.
“I want to make it into the WNBA, but I also want to do a lot of other stuff.
“I want to be an entrepreneur, a lawyer and I also want to get to a point where I can give back to my community in Zimbabwe.
“In law, I have seen it has people who have independent minds and people who know their rights,” she said.
