Veronica Gwaze-Zimpapers Sports Hub
PREMIER Netball League find themselves in a fix after their season concluded at the weekend, yet the champions are still to be announced and crowned, five days later.
This comes after issues arose in the previous bubble at Manyame Airbase when Chapungu played to what was ruled as a 44-44 draw in a fiercely contested battle with Makate.
Makate contested the result with their score recorder arguing that they had instead won the match 44-42.
The disputed result forced PNL to suspend the crowning ceremony and order an investigation for what has become the most contested result of the season.
PNL said the matter is under investigation, with a disciplinary hearing to be convened and outcomes revealed by the end of the week.
“Everything is being handled accordingly and the champions will be announced within a week,” said PNL.
The publication understands the dispute has been brought to the Sports Commission, moving it beyond an internal league matter while bringing league governance under scrutiny.
It is an uncomfortable ending for a league working to professionalise women’s netball, attract support, and give players a visible platform.
Analysts agree that this is no longer just about one scoreline, but borders on credibility and professionalism.
“The key issues here bring out a lot about our structures and the loopholes that can be created by a lack of sponsorship,” said netball analyst Brenda Chipere.
“Without adequate funding, it is difficult for the league to have independent score recorders.
“So this means improvising by having each of the contesting teams provide a person to do the recording, but this is not a reliable way…it has placed us in this situation.”
“Some of these questions must be answered publicly, and quickly because a closed-door ruling will not adequately restore confidence.”
Heading into the last bubble, Chapungu sat at the summit of the log table with 59 points from 31 games.
The Air Force of Zimbabwe side were tied with second-placed Makate, but held the edge with a 1 419 goal difference compared to the latter’s 1 293.
Defending champions ZDF were in third place with 58 points, after tasting defeat three times this season, compared to Chapungu and Makate, who had lost once each.
It was the tightest title race of the season, with the top three separated by a single point and every goal carrying championship weight.
Chapungu went on to win their final game of the season 91-14 against Imbizo Queens, while Makate also capped their season with a 44-33 victory over Black Rhinos.
Although both sides finished strongly, none of them could celebrate as the championship is still hanging based on one disputed result.
If the PNL decides to uphold the 44-44 draw between the two sides, Chapungu will then be crowned the champions.
On the other hand, if the two points are handed to Makate, they will throw Chapungu off the summit, forcing them to cap their season as silver medalists, with ZDF as bronze medallists.
