mbulelo smpofu
Langalakhe Mabena
The Zimbabwe national debate team has announced a new squad, which will represent the country in various regional and international tournaments set to take place during the course of the year 2025.
The team, which comprises 14 pupils from different schools in Zimbabwe, was chosen at the debate national tournament, which was held in Bulawayo and Harare – selecting only top notch debaters.
The team will do duty for the country at the World debate championships to be held in Panama, Asian Championships to be held in Thailand and the African Championships set for Kenya, among major tournaments.
Those who made it to the national team are Tanatswa Moyo (St Johns College), Mthokozisi Dube (Founders High School) Chuhan Cheng and Makaita Makwanya (both from Arundel School), Kudakwashe Mahambo (Gifford High School), Divine Rabvukwa and Christian Nhika (both from St George’s College), Dean Femayi and Mbonisi Nkala (both from Christian Brothers College).
Other debaters who are part of the team are Zoey Simbini and Munotida Nyamanhindi (both from Dominican Convent-Harare), Brooklyn Hayter and Barry Kamanga (both from Hellenic Academy) and Gabriel Marumahoko from Falcon College.
Coaches from 2024 are retained and they are expected to guide the new team to glory.
The head coach is Maison Maphosa, Thembani Khumalo, Mary Anne Nazombe and Methembe Mthimkhulu will be leading senior debate teams while Menzimuhle Ncube, Nkosilathi Nkala, Providence Nhongo and Mukudzeiishe Madzivire will be leading junior teams. Maison Maphosa said they are content with the team they selected and they hope to win more accolades with the lads.
“We selected this team from a tournament we did both in Bulawayo and Harare. Out of the 140 students who participated at the tournament, we managed to pick fourteen students who will represent us. These are not just ordinary debaters, they are on their ‘A’ game.
“We are looking forward to maintaining our streak and becoming the fourth African champions in a row. We also probably want to improve our performance at World Championships and be work winners,” said Maphosa.
