dyton mupawaenda
Ellina Mhlanga-Senior Sports Reporter
NGEZI Platinum Queens coach Tapiwa Chirenda says they are now fancying their chances in the Premier Netball League title race following some dominant performances since the season got underway in March.
They are currently leading the log table with 26 points from 13 games. They have won all their matches so far, including their encounter against defending champions Platinum Queens.
Although most of the other teams have several games in hand because of the postponements of other matches, Chirenda is confident, based on the performance the team has displayed in the 13 games, they are in a good position to challenge for the title.
Last year they were placed fourth at the end of the season.
“Last year the team’s overall position was fourth and taking over the team this year I expected us to maintain or get a spot or two above our last position considering a whole new concept of netball introduction.
“But the team has responded much better than I hoped, we are now optimistic we will fight for honours this season. Based on the team’s performance so far I see us surpassing our initial targets,” said Chirenda.
The seasoned coach joined the club at the beginning of the 2023 season and attributes the team’s progress to teamwork.
However, he acknowledges it’s not going to be easy taking into account the level of competition in the league.
“We can attribute the good run to a culture of teamwork, defensive team effort from goal shooter right through to goal keeper, which is what most teams don’t have. Coupled with a few dead ball and live ball set plays it has worked quite well for us so far.
“The level of competition is rapidly escalating for the top 12 teams so far with the bottom ones not far behind. Most of the games are quite nail biting features now,” Chirenda said.
Ngezi Platinum are this weekend set to take on GreenFuel in Beitbridge, in what promises to be a close encounter.
The matches are played in clusters. GreenFuel have several games in hand following the postponement of some of the matches due to various reasons.
The Chisumbanje-based side has also had a good run so far and as the games return this weekend, they will be out for maximum points.
Chirenda admits, their match against GreenFuel is going to be key in their campaign since they are also enjoying a good run and are yet to drop a point.
“This coming weekend puts a lot of pressure on us and we have been talking about the game against GreenFuel because they are also unbeaten so far.
“They had a better position than us last season and on paper, (they) are the favourites after steadily climbing up the past three seasons. We shall not approach this game lightly and have enough respect for our opponents capabilities and abilities.
“Beitbridge should be slightly easier but we do not underestimate any team,” said Chirenda.
The weekend’s matches are scheduled for Gweru and Beitbridge.
Online Reporter