Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze, Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Rainbow Netball League title race has boiled down to a duel between defending champions Correctional Queens and close rivals Glow Petroleum Queens, with just four matches left in the season.
Correctional Queens, representing the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service, top the 19 team standings with 68 points, having collected maximum points from all 34 games. Glow Petroleum trail by two points after winning 33 of their 34 fixtures, their only blemish being a single defeat.
Correctional have netted an impressive 2 706 goals while conceding 872. Glow, meanwhile, have scored 2 430 and let in 881.
With such narrow margins, the title could swing either way. For Glow to snatch the crown, they must win all remaining fixtures and hope Correctional drop points in at least two matches. Santa Queens, who sit third on 60 points, are mathematically in contention but their inferior goal difference makes a late surge unlikely.
Head coach Sanele Ndlovu believes his Correctional Queens side have earned their place at the top through hard work and consistency.
“It has been a very competitive season compared to previous years,” Ndlovu said. “We had to put in an extra shift to stay at the top of the log table, and going 34 games unbeaten reflects the hard work, discipline and unity in our team.
“Our target is to retain our title and continue building a team culture that sustains success beyond this season. Our hunger to maintain dominance keeps us going.”
Correctional last lifted the championship in 2019 under coach Christopher Simeone. Last season, the team was led by Naphtali Nyanguru before Ndlovu took over at the start of this year.
Despite their unbeaten run, Ndlovu insists the race isn’t over.
“It’s still game on. We need to collect maximum points in the remaining games because there’s just a two point difference. If we blink, the championship is gone,” he said.
“We have to stay focused and maintain the collective spirit that has brought us this far.”
Correctional’s recruitment of national team players Thandazile Ndlovu and Faith Mutero from GreenFuel has strengthened their squad. The duo’s youthful energy has blended well with the experienced core.
“They adjusted smoothly and brought the youth element we needed, so now we know our future is secure,” Ndlovu said. “It didn’t take long to see their development, confidence and performance. For a coach, it’s encouraging when your signing pays off.”
The champions are also gearing up to defend their Sadc Correctional Services Netball title. Ndlovu sees this as a chance to complete a memorable double.
“We’re not just defending the local title, but also our Sadc Games crown,” he said. “When I joined this team, it was both an honour and a challenge. Coach Nyanguru had built a strong foundation, and I had to protect that reputation while adding my own touch.
“The support from management and players made the transition smooth. This year has been about maintaining standards while shaping our identity.”
