Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
URSULA NDLOVU is one shooter whose scoring prowess has refused to die.
Having arrived in top-flight netball more than two decades ago, Ndlovu established herself as a Goal Attacker over the years, scoring goals for fun at various clubs and the national team.
And, at a time when many thought she would naturally be slowing down and considering retirement like many of her former mates, Ndlovu continues to prove that she still has the X-factor.
Currently, she leads the Rainbow Netball League Golden Hand race in Glow Petroleum colours with 747 goals in 16 games.
Defending champion Tafadzwa Mawango of Correctional Queens sits in second position with 637 goals, while JT Highfliers’ Faith Sibanda occupies the third spot with 520.
“I am happy with how the season has turned out for me, this is something that I never anticipated when the campaign started, because as a player, you never feel good enough; all you want is to work hard every day,” Ndlovu said.
“The first half of the season is done now; it was not easy because games were coming thick and fast . . . the competition was intense, and we had to stay on our toes.”
Ndlovu’s scoring prowess has been instrumental for Glow Petroleum Queens, who occupy the second position on the log with 31 points after 16 games.
The Kwekwe-based side are tied with leaders and defenders Correctional Queens, with both sides being the only two yet to taste defeat, having recorded a draw once.
After giving up their three-year dominance to Correctional Queens, Glow could have struck the right chord to bag it again.
Glow dominated the league between 2021, 2022 and 2023 while Correctional snatched it to maintain a stronghold in 2024 and 2025.
During their dominance, Glow were still under coach Perpetua Siyachitema, before former Gems coach Lloyd Makonde took over at the beginning of the season.
“Winning the championship is something that we want as a team, so whenever we step onto the court, each one of us wants to give their all,” she said.
Interestingly, Ndlovu has rediscovered her touch just when she has reunited with coach Makunde after the duo last met on national assessments years ago.
Makunde was the Zimbabwe coach when the Gems made their World Cup debut in Liverpool, England, in 2019.
Ndlovu was a crucial part of the spirited squad captained by Pepetua Siyachitema that battled their way to eighth place at the global showcase.
That team included the late Pauline Jani, Felisitus Kwangwa, Ndaizivei Madzikangava, Patricia Mauladi, Mercy Mukwadi, and Rudo Karume.
However, all of them, save for Ndlovu and Claris Kwaramba, moved on, and ordinarily the shooter was expected to hang her bib too.
Yet it appears that, like wine, she is actually getting better with age.
Now all eyes will be on her when the Gems feature at the 2027 Netball World Cup qualifiers in Kenya, in September.
With renowned Gems shooter Sharon Bwanali expected to be on maternity leave by the time the continental competition starts, Ndlovu is expected to play a key role in the attacking third.
“I believe it is just by God’s grace that I am still here . . . shooting like I am still on peak,” she said.
“Netball has always been my life, and I am glad that the gift took me this far, this is life for me, and I look forward to being there at the qualifiers with the hope of making it to the finals in Australia next year.
“I have been putting in an extra shift to perfect my art, it has not been easy because we have talented upcoming shooters; they are serious competition, and you need to be in the best shape.”
