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Sports Reporter
LOG leaders Ngezi Platinum Queens are hoping to step up to the challenge when the Nedbank Premier Netball League games return this weekend after a month-long break.
The league has a full programme this Saturday with the 20 teams converging at various venues across the country. The teams have been grouped into five clusters for the second bubble of the second half of the season.
The league took a break recently for the World Cup.
Ngezi Platinum, who have played 24 games, are leading the race with 46 points from 23 games. They have lost only one match.
They are followed by Zvishavane-based Platinum Queens and GreenFuel in second and third places respectively. They both have 44 points from 22 matches but Platinum Queens have a superior goal difference.
Ngezi Platinum coach Tapiwa Chirenda said the break for the World Cup may have some negative effects on the team’s momentum but is hopeful they will rise to the challenge.
They take on Rhinos, Mutare City and Zupco in Mhondoro-Ngezi.
“Our preparations for the return games have started off quite well. The disruption caused by the World Cup might affect us a bit but we are hoping we hit the road running.
“Definitely, for the momentum we had built in the first half, we might see a lag in performance but we are hoping we will step up sooner than later. Some clubs have been affected by these breaks worse than others. So it will be interesting to see what happens going forward.
“As we get to the weekend we are hoping to collect maximum points and in the process polish up on several concepts that we have introduced to the ladies,” said Chirenda.
The top three teams — Ngezi Platinum, Platinum Queens and GreenFuel have lost a match each so far.
Second-placed Platinum Queens will also be out to continue with their good run as they seek to retain their title for the third time.
Platinum Queens coach Simbarashe Mlambo said they are looking forward to the games as they host rivals ZDF Queens, Beitbridge Border and Lupane in Zvishavane.
“We are working on the girls and trying to get our coordination back and obviously set our sights on the championship once again. So everything is on course, it’s a bit hot but we are doing what we can. We are used to it so that’s where we are.
“Obviously we have got the game against ZDF, they are always a worthy competitor and we respect them very much. But we are at home, we are going to use our home advantage and give them a run for their money. It’s anybody’s game, it’s a fifty-fifty chance, we can win, we can lose.
“We know what we are going to face and what to expect but we are hoping that we will make it against Beitbridge, Lupane and ZDF.”
With the return of the trio of Claris Kwaramba, Progress Moyo and Elizabeth Mushore, who were part of the Gems team at the World Cup, Mlambo said it’s a boost for his side.
“So it’s always nice to have a full house. I mean the return of Claris, Elizabeth and Progress is really a big boost for us. It gives us depth and a wide choice of players.
“Obviously we want to capitalise on the girls’ experience at the World Cup, what they are able to bring to the team, and all that expertise obviously.
“So we will enjoy it and we are loving the energy that they have and we will see how best we can use them to our advantage at club level,” said Mlambo.
Fixtures:
Saturday: Filchrist Boarding vs Filchrist ZJC, Filchrist Boarding vs Waterfalls, Filchrist Boarding vs Marondera, Filchrist ZJC vs Waterfalls, Filchrist ZJC vs Marondera, Waterfalls vs Marondera, Ngezi vs Rhinos, Ngezi vs Mutare City, Ngezi vs Zupco, Rhinos vs Mutare City, Rhinos vs Zupco, Mutare City vs Zupco, Stormers vs Harare District, Stormers vs Redwing, Stormers vs Expandable, Harare District vs Redwing, Harare District vs Ex-pandable, Redwing vs Expandable, Harare City vs Mvurwi, Harare City vs City Angels, Mvurwi vs City Angels, Mvurwi vs GreenFuel, City Angels vs GreenFuel, Platinum Queens vs Beitbridge Border, Platinum Queens vs ZDF Queens, Platinum Queens vs Lupane, Beitbridge Border vs ZDF Queens, Beitbridge Border vs Lupane, ZDF Queens vs Lupane.
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