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Ellina Mhlanga-Sports Reporter
HARARE City netball team coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki has challenged his charges to rise to the occasion when they take on ZDF Queens this weekend in the Premier Netball League.
The league’s bubbles return this weekend after taking a break last week.
For Harare City, among their matches expected for this weekend, is their tie against second-placed ZDF. Harare City lost in their first meeting, in the first round of the season and Mutsauki made it clear a win this weekend would be key in meeting their targets.
They are occupying fourth place on the log table.
“The main and tough game for us is against ZDF. If we pull through against ZDF, we would gain two more points to be closer to them.
“We need to push to be close to them. It needs mental toughness and self-belief. If you don’t have that you lose. So we need to be mentally strong.
“First game we lost, in the first round. We had several injuries that affected us and right now we also have some injuries.
“Some of our key players did not train for a week because they were not feeling well. Our shooter Mercy Chinyama was not feeling well and goal defender Assa Zimusi was also not feeling well and did not attend training for a week. But yesterday they trained.
“Blessing Kahari aggravated her knee injury during training but she is getting better and we are hoping she will be fine,” said Mutsauki.
While he conceded they face a tough task against ZDF, Mutsauki said they will not underrate any of their opponents as they are also expected to face BB Stars. With a few games to go before the end of the season, Mutsauki said they need to push to get maximum points in most of their remaining games.
“Our target is to be in the top five. If we can manage that, it will be good for us.
“Right now for the remaining games, we need to, at least, get 10 points.
Online Reporter