Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
AFTER beating ZDF Queens 36-37 in a highly contested Premier Netball League battle in Mutare at the weekend, Chapungu Queens set a record in domestic netball.
This does not only marks ZDF’s first defeat in the domestic game in three years, but for Chapungu to complete a back-to-back feat is also a huge and historic statement.
Under the mentorship of national team coach Tatenda Shinya, Chapungu Queens won 41–40 in a tight match during the opening weekend of the league before sealing a 37–36 in a surprise victory in Mutare.
Defenders ZDF, having dominated for most parts of the big battle, dramatically fell in the fourth quarter when Chapungu reduced the four goals deficit until they won the tightly contested match. With the victory, Chapungu broke ZDF’s long standing winning streak to impress netball enthusiasts.
“These are the records that any coach can dream of, and I am happy that Chapungu are now history makers,” said coach Shinya.
Despite the defeat, ZDF still occupy the PNL summit with 52 points in 28 games while the Air force side are in third place with 48 points and three games in hand.
Chapungu had five of their players away on national duty recently, and they could not take part in the league games, hence the outstanding fixtures.
However, based on the odds, if Chapungu manage to upstage rising giants Makate High-flyers in their second round of games, they can easily become the champions this year.
Makate High Flyers beat Chapungu Queens 44–42 on June 13, 2026, handing the Air force side their solitary defeat in the campaign so far.
While their route to championship now appears easy, Shinya has warned his “history-making” side against complacency, insisting the Air Force outfit’s title charge is only half done.
Shinya said his side cannot afford to bask in the moment yet.
“We did well to beat ZDF, but that alone does not give us the privilege to relax; it is one big hurdle cleared, but there are still many ahead. We need cool heads now more than ever,” Shinya said.
“We are proud of the back-to-back victories against ZDF. It’s a moral boost, especially coming from a 4 goals difference from the first Quarter to claim a win in the last quarter.
The victory thrust Chapungu into the title race as genuine contenders, moving them within touching distance of the top.
For a side long considered “outsiders”, this is unfamiliar territory, and Shinya knows how quickly momentum can be lost.
With the finish line in sight, the coach said Chapungu cannot afford a slip-up.
“The girls showed character and discipline against ZDF. That is the standard we must maintain every week-end because if we lose focus, we lose everything we have worked for,” he said. Shinya believes his side should just focus on what they can change.
