Hwange mark topflight netball arrival with big wins

IT was merry making time in Hwange this past weekend when the coal mining town finally had the chance to celebrate its home-grown talent competing in topflight netball. Under the mentorship of former ZDF Queens coach Joel Sibanda, Hwange Colliery are featuring in their debut Rainbow Netball League season.

The Glow Petroleum funded league had bubbles scheduled for Glenview Hall, Main Camp, Khami Prison, Chisumbanje, Zamba Primary and the Colliery.

As they hosted league games in their opening topflight outing, Sibanda said the Colliery side hopes to make a strong statement in their maiden campaign.

“We are in our own race and we want to make an impression for ourselves and the community. The club means serious business and as a coach you obviously want to live up to their expectations so we are not leaving anything to chance,” Sibanda said.

Hwange Colliery opened their season with an emphatic 64-14 victory over ZRP Bulawayo, with Caren Zulu winning the Golden Hand accolade, while Shawntel Maphosa was named Player of the Match.
They followed up with a dominant 98-07 win over Belvedere, where Pamela Mhlanga claimed the Golden Hand award with an impressive 50 goals, and Sharlene Ncube took the Best Player title.

“I am confident that so far we have a competitive squad, perhaps what we need now is more exposure and depth. The winning margins tell a bold story and we would want to maintain that so that when the season winds down at the end of the year, we won’t have pressure.”

Meanwhile, defending champions Correctional Queens got off to a strong start, posting convincing victories as they set the pace in their title defence.

The Faith Matanganyidze coached side overpowered Golden Valley 75-29 and Khami 54-30.

Renowned players Felisitus Kwangwa and Ednah Nyamhazha were named Player of the Match in the respective fixtures, while Pretty Moyo and Tafadzwa Mawango collected the Golden Hand awards.

If Correctional Queens maintain this early lead, they are well positioned to retain their title for the third year running — despite the absence of their rising goal shooter Thandazile Ndhlovu, who was instrumental in last season’s second round surge. Ndhlovu is currently playing for Swifts in the Deloitte Netball League in Singapore.

Elsewhere, the Premier Netball League began with a dramatic upset as Chapungu ended defending champions ZDF Queens’ three year winning streak. Under new coach Tatenda Shinya, Chapungu edged the Army side 42–41 before defeating Harare City 49–39 and Harare District 69–30.

Tongogara Queens also enjoyed a high scoring start, registering 80–19 and 72–15 wins over Ligi Dolphins and Chibi Queens respectively. Imbizo Queens put up a strong challenge but narrowly lost 35–26 in a tightly contested match, while Black Rhinos Queens posted a solid 57–47 victory against Mutare City.

In Mutare, Makate High Flyers enjoyed a dominant run, beating newly promoted Correctional Stars 76–8, defeating P-Stars 49–31 and overcoming Aspindale Queens 52–32.

“Most teams delivered big wins in front of huge crowds across the country, and we are happy that everything went. Despite the newly promoted sides getting off to a slow start, we believe that soon they will have settled in the topflight and results will start to come well,” said PNL.

The resumption of the leagues will also help the Zimbabwe Netball Association assess the form and fitness of national team players.

Between 25 August and 5 September, the Gems are expected to compete in the African Championships cum 2027 Netball World Cup Qualifiers in Kenya.

At the qualifiers, the Gems will be aiming to secure one of the two available slots for the 2027 global showpiece in Australia.

Competitive domestic leagues are expected to provide the national team with a strong platform to refine their skillset and reach optimal condition ahead of international duty.