Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
THE National Association of Secondary Schools (NASH) ball games concluded in Bindura this Friday with a marked improvement in competition standards, as schools from across the country battled for honours in handball, basketball and tennis.
The two-day championships delivered closely contested fixtures, with organisers and officials noting a clear rise in the quality of play compared to last year’s edition.
At Chipadze High School, Mashonaland Central retained the boys’ handball title, while Rujeko High School of Glendale overcame Mashoko High School in a tightly contested final. In the girls’ category, Vhembe High School of Beitbridge secured gold after defeating Nyahode High School of Manicaland.
At Herman Gmeiner School, where basketball and tennis competitions were staged, Churchill High School’s Under-20 boys’ basketball side claimed gold after defeating St Faith’s in the final, while Girls High School of Harare triumphed in the Under-20 girls’ category.
Mashonaland Central Provincial Education Director, Dr Themba Mangwiro, applauded the level of competition and the role of sport in the education system.
“The learners had an exciting time, and the level of competition is commendable. Sport is an integral part of the heritage-based curriculum, and as a government, we take it seriously,” he said.
The tournament also attracted talent scouts, with standout performers expected to be considered for national team selection in handball, basketball and tennis, underlining the growing role of school sport as a feeder system for elite competition.
