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Ellina Mhlanga–Senior Sports Reporter
PLATINUM Queens coach Simbarashe Mlambo believes his players are on top of their game after a positive start to the 2023 Premier Netball League season in which they won all their matches over the weekend.
The PNL games began on Saturday with matches being played in Zvishavane, Checheche, Shamva and Mutare.
And the reigning champions claimed their first eight points of the season after winning all their four matches against Redwing, Beitbridge Border Queens, Zupco and Stormers in Zvishavane.
They beat Redwing 73-14 before dismissing Beitbridge Border Queens 63-5.
They then outclassed Zupco 73-4 and wrapped up the day with a 58-12 victory over Stormers.
Mlambo was full of praise for his side as he attributed the positive outcome to the team’s determination and zeal.
“The team played very well in the games that we played yesterday (Saturday). I think the scorelines said it all. They were on top of their game, they really wanted to play and they played as a team, and that’s something to applaud.
“The players are really ecstatic, very happy about yesterday’s performance. Generally, I think the mood was right in camp, it was exciting, they are happy about it and pleased with everything. I think I like the way they are playing, they are so determined and they are just zealous about everything,” said Mlambo.
Platinum Queens have made it clear they would want to retain the league title again this year. Mlambo, however, said as they prepare for the next round of matches they still need to improve in some areas such as the mid-court.
“I really feel like they are on top of their game and definitely I want more from them and we will really have to pull up as well when we meet other teams who have been preparing equally the same.
“But I really like the way they are so determined and so much of a team. It was just good coordination and they were holding each other up like sisters which is what the Platinum brand is all about.
“I think we can do better definitely in midfield, try to move around, create one or two better chances and get our turnovers right up in the mid-court. So we have a lot to always look at and try to adjust here and there,” said Mlambo.
Ngezi also had a good start beating Marondera 66-4 in matches played in Shamva. They went on to defeat Waterfalls 56-8 and won 70-7 against Filchrist ZJC.
In the last match of the day they managed a 43-12 win against Filchrist Boarding.
GreenFuel were also up to the task, picking up six points from three matches. They prevailed 45-9 against City Angels. They also won 36-20 and 90-20 against Harare City and Expandable respectively.
Harare City coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki said they still need to work on their team.
“Like I said going into these games, we have a lot of work to do, we need to beef-up the team with more quality players.
“The players we have are very few . . . so we played well because we managed to win two games and lost one. Even losing 20-36, comparing to the team that we played (GreenFuel) I think they tried.
“We need to sit down and map the way forward” said Mutsauki.
The matches involving Lupane and UZ were postponed.
PNL secretary general, Liberty Mhizha, said they are yet to regularise their participation and they have set the deadline for tomorrow.
Results
Filchrist ZJC 25, Marondera29; Filchrist Boarding 24, Waterfalls 28; Marondera 4; Ngezi 66; Filchrist ZJC 17, Waterfalls 38; Filchrist Boarding 30, Marondera 21; Waterfalls 8, Ngezi 56; Filchrist ZJC 7, Ngezi 70; Marondera 21, Waterfalls 36; Filchrist Boarding 12, Ngezi 43; Mutare City 13, Rhinos 25; Mutare City 18, ZDF 39; ZDF 42, Harare Districts 22; Rhinos 35, Harare Districts 20; Mutare City 16, Harare Districts 26; ZDF 29, Rhinos 25; Platinum Queens 73, Redwing 14; Stormers 38, Zupco 12; Beitbridge Border Queens 5, Platinum Queens 63; Redwing 32, Zupco 24; Beitbridge Border Queens 12, Stormers 35; Platinum Queens 73, Zupco 4; Beitbridge Border Queens 30, Redwing 24; Stormers 37, Redwing 28; Beitbridge Border Queens 36, Zupco 32; Platinum Queens 58, Stormers 12; Harare City 42, Expandable 5; Expandable 28, City Angels 22; GreenFuel 45, City Angels 9; Harare City 20, GreenFuel 36; Harare City 31, City Angels 18; GreenFuel 90, Expandable 20.
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