The Sunday Mail
Veronica Gwaze
THERE was a time when renowned shooter, Maria Folau, was just another international player that Progress Moyo had no access to.
The kiwi international – who plies her trade with Silver Ferns, Adelaide Thunderbirds and the New Zealand national team — is her idol, one she has always admired from afar. At least that was until now.
On game days, Moyo now walks around with a little more swagger in her step, spotting a compression sleeve on her right hand, which is a Folau trademark.
Folau and Moyo met and shared notes during Zimbabwe’s participation at the Vitality World Cup earlier this year.
To most, the results have been clear as day.
Moyo is currently playing the netball of her life for Platinum Queens.
The Sunday Mail Sports caught up with the 25-year-old last weekend on the sidelines of Platinum Queens’ 39-40 win over army side ZDF Queens. Moyo opened up on the World Cup experience and meeting her idol.
She was named Player of the match during the tournament. “For me, the world cup meant everything,” said the Platinum Queen.
“The camp itself had so much to offer for me, most importantly affording me the chance to meet idol and inspiration Maria Folau. “That alone was a major highlight.
“Watching her live, taking those awesome shots and finally having the liberty to talk to her was a brief, but once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am glad I was able to do just that” she said. Moyo admitted that she had to purchase compression sleeves as a way to mark their encounter. Moyo revealed that during their discussion, she absorbed as much as she could and took notes, most of which have already started paying dividends.
Said the goal attacker, “She gave me a tip or two, most of which I have been applying since I came back. “My progress has everything to do with Folau. She has been my inspiration since day one,” she said. At the World Cup, Moyo watched all of Folau‘s games; and even back home, she continues to keep tabs on her, watching the flawless shooter’s games on Youtube and reading about her.
“I basically follow everything Folau does, from games to her practice sessions.
“Since my return from Liverpool, I have adopted her training regime, my day now begins at five in the morning or earlier.
“I take 300 shots daily, training alone on the netball court,” revealed Moyo.
The Platinum Queen reckons she has a title to defend by the end of the season, and head coach Simbarashe Mlambo believes she will be the girl to watch again this season.
“Moyo is flying high at the moment,” said Mlambo.
“Rubbing shoulders with the world’s best definitely worked for her, she is much more of a force now and the kind of encouragement that she gives to her mates is just phenomenal,” he said.
