The Sunday Mail
Brighton Zhawi
THE Zimbabwe national netball team needs a new queen following the retirement of the mercurial Perpetual “Pepe” Siyachitema.
Siyachitema (33) recently called time on an illustrious international career whose major highlight was leading the Gems to the African Championship title in Botswana in 2015.
The former skipper was respected by friend and foe alike, and led Zimbabwe from the front. But nature has taken its toll and someone has to take over the mantle. So who is the next star player, the one who can inspire the team on and off the court?
There are still some big names left in the national netball side’s dressing room with Pauline Jani and vice-captain Felistus Kwangwa the leading lights. However, there is growing belief that mid-court player Patricia Malaudi can develop into a real gem. The 21-year-old, who has already won caps for the senior team and has also played at the World Youth Cup, is being spoken of glowingly.
“I think Patricia has the ability. She is a very good player with a bright future,” said national team defender Kwangwa. Siyachitema has also praised the Glow Petroleum player.
“She is a very good player, she has the height though not as agile as expected of a center but that can be taught,” she said.
Malaudi stands at 1,75m and is very effective in initiating attacks from mid-court. The former Pamushana High School student made a glorious debut for the senior team when Zimbabwe won the Hong Kong Invitational tournament in March 2017.
She is expected to drive the national team again in Namibia next month where Zimbabwe has been invited to an international tournament. Hosts Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Swaziland and Zimbabwe will fight for honours at the September 6-10 tournament.
However, national Under-21 and Harare City coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki is worried about Malaudi’s disciplinary record.
“She is a great player and my advice for her is simple: everything stems from discipline, to be a great player discipline is crucial,” said the respected gaffer.
