From a grade 6 pupil in Harare, Zimbabwe, the then little Ratidzo Murwisi found herself in the basketball court at her Highlands primary school, unbeknownst to her that it will become her sport of refuge. Her adaptation to the court was influenced by the fact that the neighbouring Zimbabwe at the time was very big on the sport culture.
Murwisi then developed into better player at Chisipite high school where she starred between running guard and small forward until she hopped into England in 2008 till 2013 to pursue her law degree at Wolverhampton University before skipping to Manchester Metropolitan University to do her Master in Corporate and Financial Law. Between studies, Murwisi believes the two masters kept her sane to balance her time where she continued to play varsity basketball.
“Actually, at one point I wanted to do either sport or study and I felt it wasn’t balancing thus did the two. For many they will wonder who that was not balancing. However, it wasn’t, and I am glad I found rhyme to do both”.
She then moved to Cairo, Eqypt in 2013 – 2015 when she worked in a bank before coming home in Zimbabwe in 2016. “I then came home to play for Lady Lynx which is now playing in the Women’s B League”
Recapping on the cultures of the teams she played for in different countries, Murwisi (33) tops her list with her stint in England. “The highest level of basketball I experienced was in the UK. I played with players from different countries such as the Polish, Litvians, Russians, Greece, Cypriots. Their level of basketball is intense.
Murwisi is Inspired by great players in basketball such as Cynthia Cooper and Lisa Leslie. “I actually wear jersey 9 in homage to Lisa, that was her jersey”
Now back in Botswana since 2020, in 2021 the athletic baller joined the Dolphins basketball club in Gaborone. they are currently top of the national league for both men and women division 1. “Playing for Dolphins has been a great experience so far. I have met some great people who I believe can become lifelong friends. The team shows longevity, having been formed in the early 90’s. coincidently, I have a thing about being associated with teams or companies that believe in legacy and Dolphins have such characteristics.”
Murwisi believe Botswana has abundance of talent in basketball and wishes her teammates who have left for Egypt to compete in the FIBA 3×3 Africa Cup 2022. Besides being in the playing court, Murwusi is a legal technology consultant and an entrepreneur
