A Rising Star in Zimbabwean Sports

Patience Muchemwa

Senior Reporter

Melissa Makuwe, a 26-year-old sportswoman from Harare, is a shining example of resilience, determination, and athletic prowess. Raised in a single-parent household, Melissa discovered her passion for sports at a young age.

"Everyone wanted to be on my team because I was the best," she recalls, reflecting on her early days playing "maflawu" with friends. Her talent was evident from the start, and she soon excelled in various sports, including athletics, basketball, and cricket.

Her formal training began at Blakiston Primary School, where she quickly made a name for herself. "Winning those awards fueled my desire to excel and represent my country," she states. She participated in numerous provincial-level competitions, accumulating over 50 certificates, medals, and trophies.

As she progressed to Girls High School, Melissa expanded her athletic horizons to include soccer and handball. She represented Harare province in national tournaments and even competed internationally, showcasing her skills in South Africa, Sweden, and Germany. "Being able to represent my country on such a platform was a dream come true," she reflects.

Her exceptional performance led her to be named the Best Handball Player at her school and captain the Zimbabwean national team. After high school, Melissa's journey took her to South Africa, where she played for the Moletswane Club. She achieved remarkable success, winning numerous gold medals and earning multiple Best Player awards.

"Playing in Europe was an incredible experience," she says, noting her exposure to a higher level of competition. However, the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted her plans, forcing her to return to South Africa.

Despite facing setbacks due to injuries and the pandemic, Melissa remains undeterred. "I have a Euro player profile now, which gives me hope for future opportunities," she explains. Recently, she received an invitational letter from a club in Spain for trials but was unable to attend due to her injury.

Currently, Melissa is undergoing coaching training with the Play Handball Foundation and is passionate about improving the sport in Zimbabwe. She advocates for better sponsorship and facilities, believing that enhanced resources will help elevate the game. "We need more tournaments to give players the experience they need," she emphasizes.

Beyond sports, Melissa has a culinary arts background and enjoys cooking and music. She also works as a pharmacy assistant, balancing her career and athletic ambitions. Her message to aspiring athletes is clear: "Never give up on your career. Give your all in every match, even if it’s a small tournament. You never know who’s watching."