Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE battle lines are drawn and rivalries sharpened as the Rainbow Netball League rolls into one of its most decisive weekends yet, with championship implications, simmering tensions and high stakes showdowns set to unfold across the country.
It promises to be a blockbuster weekend, with eight bubbles scheduled across Zimbabwe.
Venues include Khami Prison, Kadoma, Chisumbanje, Belvedere Teachers College, Chiremba Grounds, RioZim, Patchway Kadoma and Chikurubi Prison.
Reigning champions and current log leaders, Correctional Queens are determined to tighten their grip at the top of the table when they host rising contenders Flow Angels at Chikurubi Prison.
Still with a game in hand, Correctional Queens have collected 28 points from 14 matches without tasting defeat. Flow Angels trail closely in fifth place with 24 points from 15 games, making today’s clash one of the most anticipated fixtures of the weekend.
Proving their mettle in the Glow Petroleum sponsored league, Flow Angels have recently thrust themselves into title conversations, having pulled off surprise results against top tier sides.
A win over Correctional Queens would significantly disrupt the champions’ seemingly smooth path to retaining their title.
“We do not have small teams in netball anymore, so whenever we prepare for games, we do so as if we are preparing for a cup final,” said Correctional Queens coach Naphtali Nyanguru.
“Our message has always been to never underestimate any opponent. There are lots of surprise packages this season, so being complacent will surely get us punished.
“As defending champions, we know that every team comes at us with something to prove, so we must stay sharp and ready to defend our title.”
However, Flow Angels face a challenge of their own, head coach Tatenda Shinya will be absent, currently serving a suspension for disorderly conduct toward match officials.
In Chisumbanje, ZRP Mambas are gearing up to tame Green Fuel, a team that stormed into the league like a hurricane at the start of the season.
ZRP, still struggling to find rhythm in the shooting circle since the passing of netball icon Pauline Jani two years ago, are sixth on the table with 24 points from 15 games.
GreenFuel, who sit fourth with the same number of points, but with a game in hand, have turned heads this season with their fearless style and rebuilding success.
Head coach Sibonginkosi Dube remains confident her team will maintain their form despite losing several core players, Thandazile Ndlovu, Faith Mutero, Kelly Muyambo, Sanele Ncube, Thandekile Mahlangu, and Unkemetsi Mabuku, all of whom previously commanded starting roles.
Four of them also featured in the Gems national squad, with Green Fuel becoming a key feeder team.
“We had to bring in new players. We scouted in the provinces, so all of them had no elite league experience,” said Dube.
“I’m happy because most of them adapted quickly to our style, and even though some are still catching up, the progress we’ve made has exceeded expectations.
“The rebuilding process wasn’t as tough as I thought. Judging by our performances so far, we’re definitely on the right track.”
Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, former champions Glow Petroleum Queens will be in action at Khami Prison.
They remain firmly in the title chase with 26 points from 14 games, just two behind Correctional Queens, and only one defeat to their name.
Lurking behind them are the ever dangerous Santa Queens. Quietly climbing the ranks, they’ve emerged as dark horses, unassuming yet capable of unsettling the hierarchy at any moment.
With every bubble bearing consequences for the title race, mid table jostling, and survival bids, the Rainbow Netball League is serving up more than just weekend entertainment, this is a campaign where every pass, goal, and turnover could rewrite the story.
