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Ellina Mhlanga
Senior Sports Reporter
PREMIER Netball League defending champions Platinum Queens’ coach Simbarashe Mlambo says they need to maintain consistency in their games after taking over pole position from Ngezi Platinum Queens last weekend.
The defending champions had a fruitful outing in the last bubble before the mid-season break, winning all their matches to dislodge Ngezi Platinum Queens from the top of the table.
The games were played in Bulawayo and the Zvishavane-based side collected maximum points when defeating Filchrist ZJC 56-11 and Expandable 64-8.
Platinum Queens also overpowered Harare City 40-14 before dismissing City Angels 59-14.
“Well, I think mathematically it was bound to happen if we are winning games and I like the pole position. Hopefully we won’t let it slip through our fingers. With sport, if you lose one game it’s back to third position or second.
“So we just need a little bit of consistency and see what the girls are capable of doing. Hopefully they go outside and represent the country at the World Cup, come back eager just to prove they are a force to be reckoned with. So it’s a nice feeling to be on top again.
“The team played exceptionally well. I think I really liked their coordination and team spirit. Everyone was on point and we were just able to rotate everybody and include everybody in all the games that we played.
“So I am really excited about that kind of commitment and delightful way of playing,” said Mlambo.
Platinum Queens have four players, Progress Moyo, Elizabeth Mushore, Priscilla Ndlovu and Claris Kwaramba, in the Gems squad preparing for the Netball World Cup to be held in Cape Town, South Africa from July 28 to August 6.
Both Platinum Queens and Ngezi have so far played 18 games and have 34 points each but the defending champions, who went into the weekend’s matches occupying position two, took over the lead courtesy of a superior goal difference, after winning the four games.
Platinum Queens declared at the start of the season that their intention was to retain the PNL title for the third consecutive season. They won the championship race in 2021 when the PNL was launched and defended the title last year.
With the league now on break, Mlambo said it gives them the time to recover from some injuries and will continue ensuring the players remain in shape for the second half of the season.
“I think the mid-season break is important. We need to recover; we need one or two injuries to finally mend and a bit of breathing space, mentally and physically as well.
“We will take a break obviously like everybody else but not really (relaxing). We will continue monitoring the girls, mid-season training as well… This mid-term break, we will see how best they can stay focused and remain in shape,” said Mlambo.
Platinum Queens, who have proved to be a force to reckon with in the PNL, have lost only one game to Ngezi Platinum so far this season.
Online Reporter