adminTadious Manyepo
Sports Reporter
BEITBRIDGE Stars have transformed themselves into a huge force in the second phase of the Premier Netball League (PNL), not in small part, after signing some of the best players on land.
They have also taken aboard respected netball brains in coach Wisdom Tatenda Shinya.
And they are throwing stinging punches with giants Harare City falling victim to their venom a fortnight ago after losing 32-28 in a bubble in which the newcomers recorded a clean sweep for the first time this season.
After drafting former Platinum Queens veterans Elizabeth Mushore, Priscilla Ndlovu, Chipo Shoko, Ester Kasiku, Fungai Mativenga, Silibaziso Shumba, Mercy Hove, and Beauty Sithole Beitbridge were always going to be the team to beat in the second round of the marathon.
They also brought on board Vigilance Nhlanhla and Cleamah Siziba from MSU,
But they will need to be even sharper when they face log leaders ZDF Queens and Harare District in Masvingo tomorrow if they are to continue with their upward movement on the table.
Shinya said the Masvingo bubble will be tough but he is optimistic his girls will put up a good fight.
“We have added nine new players to the team for the second round of the league but that’s not our only motivation,” said Shinya.
“The overall teamwork coming from all the players both new and the ones we had before who are giving their all and also commanding first-choice positions, is driving us.
“We have Tinotenda Mangwende who is in top form, Lucia Mawononga who is improving in every game, Nomasiko Ncube a utility player.
“Kirsty Chauke, Leona Muposvo, Judith Mujeri, Caren Bvekwa, Patience Sibanda, and Tessa Mukoni are also part of the players that are working so hard to get a mark.
“But we know playing ZDF Queens and Harare District is going to be a litmus test for our girls. We will also face City Angels who we expect to roll over although it will be another tough match.”
After their disappointing defeat to Beitbridge in the last bubble during which they lost concentration towards the end, Harare City are looking at redeeming themselves when they face ZUPCO, Waterfalls, and Marondera in the Ha-rare bubble scheduled for Mbare Netball Complex tomorrow.
Star defender Assah Takadanaishe Zimusi, who was the Player of the Bubble in Beitbridge said the municipal girls are eager to correct their wrongs.
“We have prepared a lot for the bubble and we are expecting to win all our games on Saturday (tomorrow),” said Zimusi.
“Everything is looking positive from the way we have planned. We lost to Beitbridge as we couldn’t concentrate in the late stages but we have rectified that and we are looking forward to the games.”
Harare Bubble:
Black Rhinos v Mutare City, ZUPCO v Stormers, Waterfalls v Falcon, Marondera v Falcon, Marondera v Black Rhinos, ZUPCO v Harare City, Waterfalls v Mutare City, Waterfalls v Harare City, Marondera v Harare City, Black Rhinos v Stormers
Masvingo Bubble:
JT High Fliers v 7 Flames, 7 Flames v Argistars, 7 Flames v City Angels, City Angels v Harare District, Beitbridge v Hara-re District, Beitbridge v City Angels, Argistars v Harare District, ZDF Queens v Beitbridge, St P&P v JT High Fliers, ZDF Queens v St P&P, JT High Fliers v ZDF Queens
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