Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Rainbow Netball League championship battle has narrowed down to a two-horse race with holders Correctional Queens and Glow Petroleum Queens primed for the ultimate prize.
Correctional Queens occupy top spot on the 19-team log table with 68 points after collecting maximum points in all their 34 games.
Glow closely trail with 66 points and a solitary defeat from the same number of games.
Correctional Queens have scored 2 706 goals while conceding 872, Glow have 2 430 goals and have been breached 881 times.
With just four matches remaining in the season, the title race has been narrowed down to Correctional Queens and Glow.
In third place are the Santa Queens, who have accumulated 60 points after tasting defeat on five occasions.
GreenFuel have also recorded five losses, and their record places them in fourth position with 58 points.
The tight competition at the top of the table shows that Glow can only ascend to the summit if they win all their remaining fixtures provided Correctional Queens, also drop points in at least two matches.
Santa’s best finish can only be to draw level on points if they secure maximum points in their remaining games and Correctional lose all their matches.
But they would still be undone by an inferior goal difference.
However, based on the odds, it seems unlikely that Correctional Queens will falter in their remaining games.
“It has been a very competitive season compared to the previous years,” said Correctional Queens head coach Sanele Ndlovu.
“We had to put in an extra shift to be at the top of the log table, and going 34 games unbeaten reflects the hard work, discipline and unity in our team.
“Our target is to retain our title and continue building a team culture that sustains success beyond this season . . . our hunger to maintain dominance keeps us going,” Ndlovu said.
Before their success last year, Correctional Queens had last won the title in 2019, under coach Christopher Simeone.
Last season, Naphtali Nyanguru guided them to glory before Ndlovu took over at the beginning of this year.
Ndlovu refuses to be swayed into the belief that the championship is sealed.
“It’s still game on, we need to collect maximum points in the remaining games because remember this is just a two points difference so if we blink, the championship is gone,” Ndlovu said.
“We need to remain focused, maintain the collective spirit that has led us this far.”
Correctional Queens ensured there would be continuity beyond the 2025 season by signing Thandazile Ndlovu and Faith Mutero.
The duo, who arrived from GreenFuel brought in youthful experience and have been instrumental in the side’s title defence.
Ndlovu and Mutero who are also part of the senior national team, the Gems brought fresh legs to the relatively aged squad.
“The duo adjusted smoothly, they brought the youth element that we needed so now we know that our future is secure,” Ndlovu said.
“It did not take long to see their development and growth in their confidence and performance.
“For a coach, it’s encouraging when you realise that your signing was spot on and it is paying off.”
Correctional Queens will also be eyeing to defend their title at the SADC CORRECTIONAL/PRISONS/PENITENTIARY SERVICES SPORTS AND CULTURE GAMES, Netball championships. Ndlovu hopes to achieve a double both at home and the region.
“We are not just defending the local title, but also defending our SADC region CORRECTIONAL GAMES title,” he added.
“When I joined Correctional Queens this season, the offer came both as an honour and a challenge.
“The team already had a strong foundation under Coach Nyanguru, so I had to protect that reputation at all costs.” Ndlovu said his major focus this year was on continuity, maintaining the club’s high standards.
However, he would simultaneously add his own touch to the team’s playing style and philosophy.
“The support from the team and management made the transition smooth for me,” he said.
