Swim or sink for Epworth Dolphins in netball league

Veronica Gwaze, Sports Reporter

RAINBOW Netball League side Epworth Dolphins are one of the confirmed teams that face the dreaded chop at the end of the 2024 season if relegation is going to be effected.

The demotion rules have neither been used at RANL nor Premier Netball League in the past seasons to create room for more teams to come on board and popularise the game.

However, with RANL boosting of 21 elite teams this season, things may change with relegation rules coming into effect.

If that will be the case, Epworth Dolphins’ chances of survival hang in the balance.

The Epworth based side currently sits on position 20 on the 21-teams-league with four points in 23 outings, translating to an uninspiring eight percent winning rate.

With only nine games to go, at this rate, survival “will” be difficult.

However, coach Emencildah Muyengi is optimistic that her charges will overturn the tide and survive the dreaded chop come end of the season.

“We started the season on a very bad note, but with time we could make some gradual improvements so with the remaining games, we can change the narrative,” she said.

“I am happy with the team’s performance because we came into the league as amateurs and we are improving with each game.

“Some of our players have bagged the Player of the match accolades which shows that there is room for improvement.

“We may have not been winning for the greater part of the season, but we learnt a lot.”

Financial struggles have also haunted the team which found itself losing some of their players to financially stable sides.

To fulfil some of their fixtures, sometimes players have to dig into their pockets to cover travel expenses.

And the coach feels that this also compounded the team’s challenges as most of the time they have to travel without the full complement of their squad.

“I give credit to the team for going deep into their pockets to ensure that we travel and fulfil our fixtures.

“On most of our away games we travel with only seven players and amongst whom only three or four will be our key players.

“So we had to focus more on the technical aspect, we told the girls that we need to put more effort in scoring more goals and also work on our defence if we are to survive.

“Financial challenges are not subsiding so the best way is to make do with what we have.”

Tomorrow, the Epworth based side will travel to Kadoma, Rio Zim where they play the hosts and Belvedere Teachers’ College.

Three other RANL bubbles will be hosted at Ruwa, Beithall-Mutare and Stoddart Netball Complex in Mbare.

On Sunday, at Telone Showground Yadah will face ZRP Masvingo and Golden Valley.

“It will not be an easy weekend but we have to make sure that we do our best and pick points,” said Muyengi.

“Despite the lack of financial motivation, the girls have a rare passion which I believe is something we should be banking on right now.”