PNL games to start this weekend

Sports Reporter

THE Premier Netball League is set to officially get underway this weekend with matches being played in a bubble format in Harare and Masvingo.

PNL are the first professional league in Zimbabwe.

The return of league competition, after a long break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, has been hailed as a welcome development for the players and clubs. The league was officially launched on September 10, in Harare, and they held their inaugural tournament, two weeks later, in Bulawayo.

The tournament featured a number of clubs, and Platinum Queens were crowned winners, after dominating the event.

“The Premier Netball League will officially kick off on the 16th of October. The matches will be played in a bubble format in Harare and Masvingo.

“Each bubble will be played over two days and will have 10 teams playing in Harare and 10 teams playing in Masvingo. “In Harare, there will be Agape Queens, UZ, Blue Angels, Harare District, Ngezi, BTTC, Black Rhinos, Waterfalls, Correctional Stars and Harare City.

“Gold Reef, Beitbridge Boarder, ZDF, Lupane University, Platinum Queens, Mutare City, Masvingo City Stars, Masvingo Pirates, Victoria Rhiders and Green Fuels will be playing in Masvingo,” read a statement from the PNL.

The league is aiming to support the girl child, through sport.

The PNL is being led by Thabiso Mokoena, as the chairperson, and she has said they would want to ensure the local game continues to grow.

“The PNL is a professional league which will not only horn skills of our netball athletes but will also ensure that Zimbabwe netball remain adept to current world trends.”

Other members of the executive are vice-chairperson Loveday Magaya, secretary-general Liberty Mhizha, vice-secretary-general Sarudzai Chapo, treasurer Kuzivakwashe Mutuza, fixtures-secretary Tinashe Jonasi, organising secretary Rodwel Turusa and committee members — Ruth Banda, Shorai Gopito and Menfree Tanyanyiwa.

Yeukai Muchenu is responsible for public relations.

Netball is one of the sporting disciplines which have made strides, over the years, despite various challenges, including lack of financial support, which continue to haunt local sport.