PNL takes a breather

Tadious Manyepo

Zimpapers Sports Hub

THE Premier Netball League will take a month-long mid-season break following an intensive two-day bubble in Mutare last weekend.

Each club played at least five games inside 48-hours with defending champions ZDF Queens steering two points clear at the top after defeating both of their challengers to this year’s crown, Harare City and Chapungu Queens.

The first 15 games of the season have proven to be very competitive with ZDF Queens’ two-point advantage only at this stage, the body of evidence.

At this same period last season, the military outfit were already six points above their closest pursuers and were literally the champions-in-waiting.

But things are different this time around with both Harare City and Chapungu Queens expected to challenge the ZDF monopoly, as the two teams are lining up some good signings. Chapungu in particular are billed to fly high after they managed to lure arguably the best player in the league Takadanaishe Assah Zimusi from Harare City.

The Air Force of Zimbabwe side won Zimusi’s signature back in April but they couldn’t field her because she had already featured for the municipality side in the same half.

She will be eager to regain lost ground in the league after recently starring for the Zimbabwe select side, the Zambezi Eagles in the Telkom League Power Week 2 in South Africa.

With star players like Tafadzwa Matura already in their fold, Chapungu Queens will have the much-needed balance as they will try to cut the four-point gap between them and ZDF Queens. PNL spokesperson Innocent Ndiya said the break will also afford players an opportunity to recharge their batteries.

“After this unforgettable bubble in Mutare in which ZDF Queens rolled over the show, I can announce that the season will take a one-month break to allow the players to rejuvenate.

“Clubs will also reorganise and come back strongly from the break.

“The first half of the season has been very competitive and we have had no bad incidents like violence or anything. We are very happy to be running this league.”

During the break, the top-four teams in the league, ZDF Queens, Harare City, Chapungu Queens and Black Rhinos are also expected to represent the country in a tournament in Botswana.