Kadandara’s double delight

Veronica Gwaze

WHEN she is not busy battling to save lives, Christine Kadandara would be on the netball court trying to ensure her team wins.

In fact, she has made a name at Rainbow Netball League (RNL) outfit Glow Petroleum Queens for smothering the opposition.

On the court, Kadandara seems worlds apart from the compassionate and charming nurse that is a darling of many patients at a local health facility.

The Glow goal shooter — equally at home in the goal keeper position — recently bagged the RNL 2023 Golden Hand award after netting 1 203 goals.

It is without doubt that “Kiri”, as she is affectionately known in netball circles, is a vital cog in the Kwekwe-based side.

She is also fresh from guiding Glow to a record-equalling three straight RNL titles.

Prison side Correctional Queens and ZRP Mambas settled for first and second runners-up, respectively.

Glow also dominated the awards night, with mid-court star Barbra Lodi being crowned the Players’ Player of the Year.

Without tasting defeat in their 36 outings (72 points) and scoring 2 778 goals, Glow’s treble means they will now keep the silverware and force RNL to buy another floating trophy.

“I never imagined myself winning such an accolade one day, because sometimes I play as a defender, so I thought I would never make it in the shooting race,” she said.

“I love both positions and play them comfortably . . . I do not take defeat lightly; I make sure I have to play whatever position equally just to make sure that we win.

“Everything that I do, I do it wholeheartedly. I love nursing and netball in equal measure,” Kadandara said.

The former national team key defender was instrumental in the Gems qualification for their maiden World Cup appearance in 2019, although she could not make it to the finals in Liverpool.  The imposing player was consistent throughout the 2023 season.

“Our wins over ZRP Mambas and Correctional Queens are always massive confidence-boosters, so whenever I train as an individual, it is often these teams that I have in mind.

“Do not get me wrong, I am not underestimating other opponents, but there is that pride and the bragging rights that come with defeating these ‘big’ names,” she added.

Kadandara also paid tribute to coach Perpetua Siyachitema for her tactical astuteness.

Alertness has been the hallmark of Kadandara’s game in whatever role she is assigned on the court.

She also says she has to maintain the same level of alertness whenever she trades her netball bib for a pair of scrubs.

The former Harare City and Beta Queens star is one of the millions of selfless healthcare workers.

She also gave an insight into how her netball career started.

“I was raised in Zvimba, playing netball at Mupumbu Primary School and Matoranhembe High School, but (I) never considered playing the sport competitively after school, let alone going on to achieve such a feat.

“However, one day in 2010, I was playing netball for fun at Budiriro 1 Shopping Centre when coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki spotted and asked me to come and join the City of Harare training session, where he was mentoring.

“I gave it a try and enjoyed myself. The coach was pleased and since then, I have never looked back.”