Zimbabwe Cricket rewards women cricket team with US$80,000 bonus for winning gold at the African Games

ZIMSPHERE

HARARE – Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has awarded the senior women's national cricket team a winning bonus of US$80,000 for their outstanding performance at the 13th African Games where they won gold after beating South Africa in an exhilarating final yesterday. 

Image: Zimbabwe Women Cricket 

The triumphant team – the 'Golden Girls' – who won all their matches, including a thrilling Super Over victory against South Africa Women in the final, became cricket's first-ever gold medallists at the continental multi-sport event. 

The bonus will be shared among the players and the technical staff members.

ZC Managing Director Givemore Makoni expressed his pride and excitement in a congratulatory message to the team. 

"On behalf of the Zimbabwe Cricket Board, Management and Staff, I wish to congratulate the entire team on the terrific job you have done to win gold at the 13th African Games in Ghana," he said.

"We followed all your action with immense pride and excitement as you recorded five victories in five matches, including the final against South Africa, to become the first ever cricket champions at the continental multi-sport event," Makoni added.

He attributed this historic feat to the team's hard work, passion, and dedication.

"Congratulations, once again, and thank you for bringing so much joy to our hearts!" he said.

The 'Golden Girls' are expected to receive a hero's welcome upon their arrival at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare at 1435 hours this Friday.

As Zimbabwe Women's campaign at the African Games comes to a close, the spotlight shines brightly on Modester Mupachikwa, the African Games Batter of the Tournament. 

Known affectionately as "Shortgun," the Zimbabwean wicketkeeper demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the competition, earning herself two player of the match awards in just five games.

The grand finale of the African Games also saw the emergence of a new star, 18-year-old Kelis Ndhlovu. 

Her exceptional performance in the final match not only earned her the player of the match award but also the prestigious title of Player of the Tournament.

Ndhlovu, an all-rounder who goes by the nickname "Monte," has been making waves since her debut for Zimbabwe in 2022 at the tender age of 16—and her meteoric rise in the world of cricket is truly a testament to her amazing talent and dedication to the sport.