FilChrist Delivers Gold for Mashonaland Central at National Youth Games 2026
By Livezw | Tuesday, 18 August 2026
SHAMVA, Mashonaland Central — FilChrist Boarding School has brought immense pride to Shamva and Mashonaland Central after its netball team emerged as National Champions at the 2026 National Youth and Paralympic Games.
Representing Mashonaland Central, the FilChrist team produced a remarkable performance throughout the tournament, eventually defeating Bulawayo 55 to 40 in the final to secure the coveted gold medal.
The victory represents more than just a sporting achievement for the school. It is a significant achievement for Shamva and Mashonaland Central, demonstrating the talent, discipline and determination of young athletes from the province.
A Dominant Journey to Gold
FilChrist began its campaign strongly in the group stages, recording three impressive victories.
The team defeated Bulawayo 49 to 29, followed by a commanding 80 to 20 victory over Matabeleland North. In a much closer encounter against Manicaland, FilChrist prevailed 45 to 42.
The impressive run continued in the semifinals, where FilChrist defeated Midlands 59 to 28.
In the other semifinal, Bulawayo defeated Mashonaland West 54 to 49, setting up a final between FilChrist and Bulawayo.
The final proved to be another outstanding performance by the Mashonaland Central representatives. FilChrist maintained its composure and eventually won 55 to 40, completing an unbeaten run and being crowned National Netball Champions.
Individual Excellence Recognised
The success was not only about the team. Two FilChrist players also received major individual recognition for their outstanding performances during the tournament.
Natasha Finesi, a Shamva resident and FilChrist student, was named Best Shooter of the National Youth and Paralympic Games netball competition.
Natasha’s achievement is particularly significant for Shamva, as she represents the growing sporting talent emerging from the community. Her accuracy and consistency in front of goal contributed to FilChrist’s successful campaign.
Another FilChrist star, Meline Sibanda, was named Best Defender, recognising her outstanding defensive performance throughout the competition.
The two individual awards, together with the team’s gold medal, underline the quality of talent that FilChrist brought to the national competition.
A Victory Built on Sacrifice
According to FilChrist Director, Principal and Coach Mr Jebes Muchapondwa, the achievement came despite significant financial limitations.
FilChrist was able to send only its netball team to the national competition because the school had to self fund its participation.
The school also has strong girls’ and boys’ volleyball teams which, according to the school leadership, could have competed for medals had adequate funding been available.
The achievement therefore raises an important question for the future: how many more young athletes from Shamva and Mashonaland Central could reach national and international levels if they received the necessary support?
Sport as a Tool for Youth Development
The FilChrist victory also highlights the wider importance of investment in youth sport.
At a time when communities across Zimbabwe are concerned about drug and substance abuse among young people, sport provides an important platform for keeping young people active, disciplined and focused.
Through sport, young people develop teamwork, responsibility, resilience, leadership and determination. The success of the FilChrist netball team demonstrates what can happen when young people are given an opportunity to develop their abilities.
A Call to Prepare Early for 2027
With the National Youth and Paralympic Games returning next year, FilChrist is already calling for greater preparation and support.
Mr Muchapondwa says future selection should be inclusive, drawing talented young people from private and public schools, communities, universities, colleges, non school going youth and working youth, provided they meet the required age categories.
The call is also for Mashonaland Central to start preparing and fundraising well before the next games.
The vision is bigger than FilChrist alone. It is about building a provincial sporting system capable of identifying, developing and supporting talented young athletes from across Mashonaland Central.
Shamva Celebrates Its Champions
For Shamva, the success of FilChrist provides another reason to celebrate the potential of its young people.
The national gold medal, coupled with Natasha Finesi’s Best Shooter award and Meline Sibanda’s Best Defender award, places FilChrist and Mashonaland Central firmly on the national sporting map.
The achievement is a reminder that talent exists in Zimbabwe’s communities. What is often needed is opportunity, preparation and investment.
As FilChrist celebrates its national triumph, the message from the school is clear: the next generation of champions must be supported early.
FilChrist has brought home the gold.
Now, the challenge is to ensure that more young athletes from Shamva and Mashonaland Central have the opportunity to follow in their footsteps.
One team. One dream. One victory.
Glory be to God.
Livezw congratulates FilChrist, Natasha Finesi, Meline Sibanda, the coaching team and the entire Mashonaland Central delegation on this outstanding achievement.
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