The Sunday Mail
ALEXANDRA MASEKO will captain Zimbabwe at the Afro Basket qualifiers in Mozambique this week with coach Erinous Katsaruware describing the decision to give her the armband as the easiest of his career.
“There was never any doubt on who I would trust with the leadership duties of the team,” said Katsaruware.
“Alex is one of the most experienced players in the team and I have been impressed with how she has handled herself during the training sessions.
“I sincerely doubt if I will ever make an easier decision. I also expect her to lead both on and off the court.”
The Zimbabwe women’s senior basketball team is expected to leave on Wednesday for the AfroBasket qualifiers scheduled for Maputo from March 2-12.
There 10 nations will duke it out for the sole ticket to the Fiba African Championships slated for the Republic of Congo in August.
With Angola having already qualified, Zimbabwe is set to face familiar foes in the hosts, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland and Zambia.
Maseko last made her national team appearance at the 2011 Africa Games in Maputo.
Six years after that, Mozambican excursion Maseko will lead Zimbabwe into battle in Maputo amid high expectations that she will inspire the team to glory.
However, the skipper is quick to point out that it’s all about the team effort.
“I think a bit of pressure is inevitable and expectations exist regardless.
“However, at the end of the day it’s about doing the best we can and preparing the younger players as best we can for their futures in the national team,” she said.
Despite being the most experienced player in the squad, Maseko maintains that the decision to make her the captain was a “little unexpected.”
“I came back home unaware of the upcoming tournament and yet here I am.
“If playing and captaining the squad is how I can best contribute to the development of basketball in the country then I am honored and ready to do so.
“Playing for Zimbabwe at this level is an honor and a privilege,” she said.
Zimbabwe’s traveling team
Yolanda Matayataya, Geraldine Chibonda, Stabile Ngandini, Sibongile Mkandla, Melissa Majonga, Emma Makoni, Francisca Sekete, Getrude Mapiye, Mary Chawayipira, Dorcas Marondera, Charity Mucucuti, Margaret Kanyimo, Alexandra Maseko (Cpt), Kudakwashe Dzawanda
Head Coach: Erinous Katsaruware
Assistant Coach: Mxolisi Ndlovu
Assistant Coach: Vivian Vareta
Team Manager: Charmaine Chirinda
