Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
PREMIER Netball and Rainbow Netball leagues get down to business this week in what promises to be an exciting season.
This follows a busy off-season transfer window which had many teams from both leagues heavily involved in player recruitment.
After a successful last season, which had 15 teams competing for honours, PNL only relegated two.
However, as the league still seek to spread their wings, they went on to promote five teams.
Correctional Stars (ZPCS), Bulawayo Business School College Netball, Zimsmart Nyanga Stars, Chibs Netball and Ligi Dolphins were promoted from the lower leagues.
Their maiden campaign start with three bubbles, which have been lined-up for Harare, Bulawayo and Mutare.
Defending champions ZDF Queens, Harare City and Chapungu are set for big clashes in the opening week.
ZDF Queens will be aiming to defend their title for the third time successively while Chapungu are expected to be the dark horse in the campaign.
Gems stars – defender Kelly Muyambo, Yemurai Seveni and mid-court player Anifa Luya, Beaular Dhaure, Lubelihle Khumalo, Beyonce Ndaradzi and Primrose Kamwendo – are now at Chapungu.
They also make the core of the Gems and their development side, Zambezi Eagles. Their major highlight, however, is the coming in of head coach Tatenda Shinya, a celebrated a former national team gaffer. Shinya will be assisted by Sonia Juma who recently transitioned from a player into the team’s technical set-up. PNL spokesperson, Innocent Ndiya, said all is set for the league season to get underway with Nedbank meant to continue bankrolling them.
“Our long-term aim is to have at least a team in every district either in top-flight or in the lower leagues and I believe that we are walking in the right direction.”
With her mate and wing attacker Ednah Nyamhazha, who is among the Player of the Season 2025 contenders, the duo will be out to stamp authority.
In Chisumbanje, GreenFuel are once again “rebuilding” after losing some of their players to rival teams.
At the beginning of last year, they were also left hugely shaken after the departure of stalwarts Thandazile Ndhlovu, Faith Mutero, Kelly Muyambo, Sanele Ncube, Thandekile Mahlangu and Unkemetsi Mabuku.
Ndlovu, Mutero, Muyambo, Mahlangu were all vital cogs in the Gems squad as the Chisumbanje-based side rose to be the major feeder into the national team.
Losing all players who commanded a spot in the starting lineup, coach Sibonginkosi Dube had to press the reset button.
Banking on rookies, she completed the season amongst the top performers, and this time, she is back on the rebuilding exercise once again.
