THE Herentals Group of College has expanded its academic and sporting prowess with the emergence of teenage women's cricket prodigy, Beloved Biza, who has propelled the institution to international acclaim. At the age of 15, Biza made her debut as the opening batter for the senior women’s team, becoming one of the youngest players to represent Zimbabwe in women’s cricket. Her outstanding performance during the recent tour of Namibia by the Zimbabwe U19 team has garnered praise from the founder of the Group of Colleges, Innocent Benza.
Benza commended Biza as an exemplary ambassador of the institute, attaributing her composure and skill to the discipline instilled within the college and their sports policy, which fosters both academic and athletic development.
He also lauded Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) for providing a conducive environment for the growth of the game, particularly for female players.
“She’s a beloved ambassador of the institute, calm and composed for a 15-year-old. It comes down to the discipline inculcated within the group of colleges and our deliberate sports policy where we allow our students to flourish both academically and in sports because the two are like Siamese twins. You can’t separate them,” Benza said.
“Beloved has also found an able home with ZC one of the country’s most distinguished sports associations that has allowed the growth of the game to both the male and their female counterparts, their gender support policy is one to admire for all of us.”
During the tour of Namibia, Biza demonstrated remarkable batting prowess, securing three half-centuries and contributing valuable bowling performances.
Additionally, Chipo Moyo and skipper Kelis Ndhlovu made significant contributions to the team's victories, showcasing a collective effort and a promising outlook for the upcoming World Cup.
In the ongoing tour of Namibia that ends today, Biza top scored in every match scoring three half-centuries in the first three games; 62, 73 and 57 as well as 19 not out, a joint-high score with skipper Ndhlovu in the fourth T20 where Zimbabwe won by 10 wickets after restricting the hosts to 48 all out in 10 overs.
Biza also weighed in with some good bowling performances, taking a wicket in the first and third matches. It was, however, Roosevelt O’ Level student, Moyo who impressed with the ball taking five for 17 in Zimbabwe U19 Women’s 96-run win in the series opener, two for 16 in the second match and two for 15 in the next encounter.
Skipper Ndhlovu scored 21, 38 and 19 not out as the locals raced to a 4-0 series win with two games to play and shone more with the ball taking five wickets for four runs in the 103-run rout of Namibia in the second T20 and four for 16 in the fourth match.
Ndhlovu expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and emphasised the importance of sustained momentum and improvement in preparation for the World Cup. With a 4-0 series win and a focus on continuous development, the team aims to enhance their skills further, aspiring to achieve success in future competitions.
“The series has been going well, winning four matches on the trot.
“It’s a feat that we are so happy with. I am particularly pleased with the fact that everyone is raising their hands and taking responsibility,” Ndhlovu said.
“I’m hoping that we carry on with the momentum and keep improving as we prepare for the World Cup. I’m hoping that we get more games like these before we go to the World Cup.
“We’ve learnt a lot in these games, given our all to win the series and hope that we can make it a whitewash.”