Correctional Queens, Glow Petroleum shine

Veronica Gwaze-Sports Reporter

IT was a busy weekend for Rainbow Netball League with the Glow Petroleum-sponsored league hosting more than 20 games at various venues across the country. 

Since the Covid-19 induced protocols saw games being played in bubble format, the setup became a new standard for netball in Zimbabwe. 

And at the weekend, RANL hosted seven bubbles across the country. 

RANL Vice Secretary, Precious Mudenge was charmed by the progress. 

“We are happy because there are no hiccups since the season started; this is part of what we were working on during the offseason,” she said. 

“Our league was registered last year; so, even at our Annual General Meeting, we resolved that we want to run this league professionally which is what we are doing.”

Mudenge said there was increased competition in the league this season. 

Making clear their championship ambitions, most clubs went on a shopping spree during the offseason to bolster their squads.

New teams also joined the league although no teams were relegated in the previous season. 

“What we want most is to see the girls playing the game, earning something for themselves and their families because after all this is all about them and their safety from the vices of society,” said Mudenge. 

“The games have been going on very well so far with three new teams Santa, Flow Angels, and ZRP Masvingo up there in the top 8. 

“The level of competition is high . . . over the weekend Correctional narrowly beat Mthala by 49-44 and Mambas posted a result with a 10-goal difference against Support Unit in a 52-42 thriller. 

“We also got our first draw of the season between Golden Valley and Bright Emerald a 42-goal nail-biting clash. 

“New kids Gilchrist also won all their games against ZRP Masvingo and Ruwa respectively, we have a great season going on and we are happy.” 

Unfortunately, other newcomers Mweyamutsvene who are based in Marange were walked over in three matches and as a result, maximum points had to be awarded to the opponents. 

“We had the first walkover so early into the season as Mweyamutsvene failed to travel, they failed to secure their travel clearance on time, we hope all their paperwork will be in place before our next bubble,” she said. 

“Our laws and regulations say if a club fails to fulfil a fixture without following the recommended standard procedure, they are walked over, and points given to the other team and this is what we simply did.”

Correctional Queens who have made clear their intentions for the championship entrusted fresh blood with duty with the newcomers delivering beyond the gaffer’s expectations. 

The prison side has finished the season in the top four in the past two seasons and will be hoping to win the big one this year.

Head Coach Naftali Nyanguru said the team is in transition, introducing fresh blood. 

“We are moving towards a transitional phase with the introduction of new players who are gradually finding their rhythm in our games,” he said. 

“Although the team has not yet fully gelled, we are not yet solid, but I am confident that in the coming weeks, we will see great improvement. 

“Everything is going well, and according to plan . . . I am confident that the ladies will deliver.”

RANL Week 2 Results

Correctional 49 Mthala 44

Black Mambas 52 Support Unit 42

Black Mambas 53 Mweyamutsvene 0 (walkover)

Support Unit 37 Mweyamutsvene 0 (walkover)

Santa 42 Yadah 36

Filchrist 42 Ruwa 38

Khami 22 Glow Petroleum 67

ZRP Masvingo 46 Ruwa 35

Bright Emerald 42 Golden Valley 42

Mthala 47 Chibwe 22

Yadah 64 Belvedere 33

Glow Petroleum 102 Bikita Minerals 23

Filchrist 46 ZRP Masvingo 31

Flow Angels 49 Bright Emerald 30

Correctional 91 Chibwe 23

Hi-flyers 21 RioZim 34

Tenax 48 RioZim 17

Hi-flyers 24 Tenax 71

Santa 61 Belvedere 13

Flow Angels 55 Golden Valley 30

Khami 66 Bikita Minerals 34

Flow Angels 43 -53 ZRP Mambas