Geophrey Sifani Sports Reporter
SIKHULILE High School suffered a heartbreaking 21-27 loss to Pamushana High of Bikita, Masvingo, in the final of the Nash Under-17 national netball tournament in Marondera on Friday.

By beating the Bulawayo school, Pamushana defended the title they won last year and went home with a cash prize of $4,400 as well as a floating trophy.

Sikhulile had to be content with the runner-up prize money of $3,200. Chekai High beat Mweya Mutsvene High of Mutare to finish third in the tournament.

Sikhulile were among the tournament favourites and lived up to their billing until they encountered the tough Masvingo champions Pamushana.

On the road to the final, Sikhulile dismissed the challenge of Jekwa Secondary of Murewa, Mashonaland East, 18-9 in the quarter-final before edging Chekai High of Masvingo 15-11 in a tightly contested semi-final.

Despite the Bulawayo side giving their all, Pamushana proved too strong and retained the title to cement their dominance of schools’ netball in Zimbabwe.

Sikhulile coach Karen Marechera said she was happy with the girls’ performance in the final despite falling short of glory.

“We’re happy as a team about the way we played. The girls played to the best of their ability and in good spirit. This has strengthened us as a team and we’ve developed endurance for the sport,” said Marechera.

She said her team had improved remarkably adding that schools’ netball was now of high standard.

Sikhulile were the Bulawayo provincial representatives in the 2014 nationals where they finished fourth.

Marechera said she hoped for better luck next year when they hope to have another shot at the title.

“Next year we want to bring the title home. We’re going to apply what we learnt and improve our game standard,” she said. Two Sikhulile players, Michelle Muzanenhamo and Spiwe Chavapo were rewarded for their outstanding performances in the tournament.

Muzanenhamo received $250 after being voted the tournament’s best player while Chavapo was chosen as the best defender and got $200.

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