Online Reporter
Veronica Gwaze
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SANTA Netball Queens’ target of completing their league campaign as the front-runners got off to a perfect start, ranking second on the standings after two bubbles.
The Mutare-based side have collected seven points in four Rainbow Netball League games and sit second on the table, behind GreenFuel, who have the same points and a superior goal difference.
Santa survived a scare at the weekend in Chisumbanje when they recorded a 42-42 draw against hosts GreenFuel.
This was before they walloped police side Black Mambas 43-31 in the second bubble of the season.
Their coach, Simbarashe Mlambo, was happy to avoid defeat in their games.
“I am glad that we got a good win against Black Mambas and a hard-earned draw against GreenFuel because it has a huge bearing on our season run.
“We do not underestimate any opponent, but last weekend we had two of our four big fixtures of the season; hence, we needed to bring our A-game,’’ Mlambo said.
He felt that their aggressive style had earned them the draw against GreenFuel.
They, however, took a different approach to the match against Mambas as they always adjust in accordance with the nature of the opponents they would be facing.
“We still need to match our opponents hence the need for creativity every time we step on the court.
“I am happy that the girls listened to instructions although we are a work in progress and still have a long way to go, but our project is taking shape.
“We could have snatched a win against GreenFuel, but I believe it was not our day.”
Despite emerging as one of the exciting teams to watch so far in the season, Mlambo believes Santa are not yet the genuine article as they still need to work on endurance and shooting.
“We are solid in defence, but we need to clean up in our shooting and midfield and also work on coordination as a team.
“Based on the vision that we have as a technical team, we are in the right direction, and I am sure that soon we will be pulling huge surprises.”
Mlambo added that his team needs to improve in their mental strength if they are to challenge for the championship.
“The belief has to be inculcated into our house, and I trust that seed can germinate into something huge.
“Real talent is there, so the psychological aspect is what we need to work on.
“Looking at the way we started the season, we have made a statement to our opponents, and now teams will come guns blazing.
“This means we have to work twice as hard, and without self-belief it can be tough for us,” he said.
Meanwhile, White Angels found the going tough when falling 18-90 to Hwange Colliery and 21-94 to Khami Queens, while there were statement wins for Flow Angels, who overpowered White Angels 81-21 and Belvedere Teachers’ College 66-17 and capped off their bubble with a 71-24 win over Chibwe.
Results:
Flow Angels 81-21 White Angels; Flow Angels 66-17 Belvedere; Flow Angels 71-24 Chibwe; Chibwe 35-29 Belvedere; Green Fuel 52-46 Mambas; Santa 42-42 Green Fuel; Glow Petroleum 81-26 Golden Valley; Khami 53-46 Hwange; Hwange 90-18 White Angels; Khami 94-21 White Angels.
