dyton mupawaenda
Ellina Mhlanga–Senior Sports Reporter
WITH the Nedbank Premier Netball League approaching its final stages, defending champions Platinum Queens will be out to consolidate their lead in today’s games set for Kuwadzana 1 High in Harare. The games in Harare were initially expected to take place at Stodart Netball Complex but have been moved to Kuwadzana 1 High.
Platinum Queens clash with Harare District, Harare City, Black Rhinos, Stormers and Filchrist ZJC in the fourth bubble of the five due to take place in this second round of matches.
The last bubble is due to take place in November where the champions will be crowned.
Platinum Queens coach Simbarashe Mlambo said they are not taking any chances and are going for maximum points. “We are very prepared for the games. We have been really working hard and we just want to make sure that we collect maximum points from these games.
“Obviously we know what is at stake. We know that these are not easy teams, Harare District, Harare City, Black Rhinos, Stormers are upcoming and ZJC are really doing well for their age, and standard.
“But we are really preparing well, and I think we have got a full squad. I am sure we are going to give everyone a run for their money,” said Mlambo.
The defending champions have made it clear they would want to retain the title for the third consecutive season. They have been dominant in the PNL since its launch in 2021.
With the championship race likely to be a contest between Platinum Queens and second-placed GreenFuel who are also enjoying a good run, Mlambo believes the last bubble of games will be key in determining who walks away with the title.
But for now, their focus is on today’s games. “We know GreenFuel are really doing a lot for themselves and they have been winning some big games. And they also are contending for the championship and it all comes back to our head-to-head in the final bubble.
“We are really expecting to get maximum points and to enjoy the game tomorrow. Obviously netball is a very fast entertaining game and many are really looking forward to it…So we hope to enjoy,” said Mlambo.
While Platinum Queens are looking forward to today’s games, Harare City, who are one of the seasoned netball teams have been struggling to maintain consistence this season.
Harare City team manager Seyehluke Sithole said they are facing financial challenges. “We are going to play but the preparations are very poor. We are struggling financially, so sometimes the players fail to come to training. We will play just to fulfil our fixtures.
“The economic challenges are affecting us. So we cannot force players to come to training when there is no money, it’s difficult.
“So our challenge is money of which it cripples the team in terms of training and everything. The players’ morale is boosted when they get their money, so if they are not getting anything, they will be down,” Sithole said.
The games that were due to take place in Beitbridge have been postponed. PNL secretary-general Liberty Mhizha confirmed the development.
“Mvurwi and Waterfalls can’t make it to Beitbridge, which has made the cluster financially unfeasible.”
The games are being played in clusters as an effort to also cut costs for the clubs.
Harare are hosting cluster one and two while cluster four and five are scheduled for Dombotombo in Marondera.
Fixtures
Today
Cluster One: Filchrist Boarding vs Ngezi Platinum Queens, Filchrist Boarding vs Stormers, Filchrist Boarding vs Harare City, Ngezi Platinum Queens vs Stormers, Ngezi Platinum Queens vs Harare City, Stormers vs Harare City, Ngezi Platinum Queens vs Harare District (Kuwadzana 1 High, Harare).
Cluster Two: Platinum Queens vs Filchrist ZJC, Platinum Queens vs Rhinos, Platinum Queens vs Harare District, Filchrist ZJC vs Harare District, Rhinos vs Harare District, Platinum Queens vs Harare City, Platinum Queens vs Stormers (Kuwadzana 1I High, Harare).
Cluster Four: Redwing vs City Angels, Redwing vs ZDF Queens, Redwing vs Marondera, City Angels vs ZDF Queens, City Angles vs Marondera, ZDF Queens vs Marondera, Redwing vs Zupco, City Angels vs Zupco (Dombotombo, Marondera).
Cluster Five: Zupco vs Expandable, Zupco vs GreenFuel, Zupco vs Lupane, Expandable vs GreenFuel, Expandable vs Lupane, GreenFuel vs Lupane, ZDF Queens vs Expandable, ZDF Queens vs Zupco (Dombotombo, Marondera)
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