Litmus test for Beitbridge in PNL

Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter

BEITBRIDGE Stars have transformed themselves into a huge force in the second phase of the Premier Netball League, 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 the venom a fortnight ago after losing 32-28 in a bubble, the newcomers recorded a clean sweep for the first time this season.

After drafting in former Platinum Queens veterans Elizabeth Mushore, Priscilla Ndlovu, Chipo Shoko, Ester Kasiku, Fungai Mativenga, Silibaziso Shumba, Mercy Hove and Beauty Sithole as well as Vigilance Nhlanhla and Cleamah Siziba from MSU, Beitbridge were always going to be the team to beat in the second round of the marathon.

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 in a good fight.

“We have added nine new players in the team for the second round of the league but that’s not our only motivation,” said Shinya.

“The overall team work coming from all the players both new and the ones we had before who are giving their all and also commanding first choice positions, that’s the spirit which is driving us.

“We have Tinotenda Mangwende who is in top form, Lucia Mawononga who is improving 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.

After their disappointing defeat to Beitbridge in the last bubble in a match they lost concentration towards its dead end, Harare City are looking at redeeming themselves when they face ZUPCO, Waterfalls and Marondera in the Harare bubble at Mbare Netball Complex tomorrow.

“We have prepared a lot for the bubble and we are expecting to win all our games on Saturday (tomorrow),” said Zimusi.