Zambezi Eagles break winless run

A determined Zambezi Eagles side finally ended their slow start to the Telkom Netball League with a hard-fought 58-47 victory over Flames at Ellis Park in South Africa yesterday.

The win came after defeats to Fireballs and Crinums in their opening two matches, which had placed the Zimbabwean development side under pressure to register their first victory.

Yesterday, the Eagles showed greater composure, starting cautiously in the opening quarter and matching Flames goal for goal to settle for a 12-12 scoreline.

In the second quarter, the Zimbabweans began to grow into the match, making better use of their centre passes and feeding the ball effectively to shooters Nicole Muzanenhamo and Enesi Chavarika, who converted well.

However, weaknesses in the Wing Attack and Wing Defence positions continued to expose gaps, costing the Eagles chances to win turnovers and open up a wider lead.

Both teams kept the contest tight, with shooters from either side turning to super shots to boost their scores and create breathing space.

By half-time, the Eagles had edged ahead with 27 goals, holding a narrow advantage over their opponents.

“I am happy that our girls are playing according to instruction, quite young and in need of the exposure with some of them playing for their first caps, it shows that we are in the right direction,” said coach Simbarashe Mlambo during the half-time break.

Zambezi Eagles stepped up a level in the third quarter, taking control of the game through improved mid-court play and a higher number of turnovers.

Centre Anifa Luya and Muzanenhamo combined effectively in attack, causing problems for Flames with their pace and accuracy, much to the delight of the crowd.

By the end of the third quarter, the Eagles had opened up a five-goal lead, giving them the confidence heading into the final quarter.

The Zimbabweans were dominant in the closing stages, lifting their intensity at the right time to overpower Flames and secure a convincing 58-47 win.

Muzanenhamo was named player of the match for her outstanding performance.

“We have finally hit the right codes, this is what we have been working on and I am thrilled that results are now coming,” said head coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki after the match.

“In the past games, we were looking much into score lines because remember this is a project and for results to start coming it is a process.

“We could see the positives in all the games, and we were happy because we knew what we were building and finally it is proving to be something positive.”

Zambezi Eagles will next face Jaguars on Friday before rounding off their Telkom campaign against Stings on Sunday.

Mutsauki said while winning is important, the team’s participation in the league is also focused on long-term development.

In September, Zimbabwe’s senior national team will compete for one of two available places at the 2027 Netball World Cup.

As a result, some players from the Telkom League campaign are expected to be promoted to the senior Gems squad to strengthen key areas.

Mutsauki is still looking to rebuild the defence following the departure of former captain Felisitus Kwangwa, while the return of Elizabeth Mushore from maternity leave is expected to boost the side.

In the shooting circle, Thandazile Ndhlovu and Sharon Bwanali now face growing competition from Chavarika, who has shown marked improvement during the Telkom League.

“Our bigger picture is the World Cup so coming here we needed the exposure and also this is a development side which we have made a reliable feeder for the Gems.

“We are still a work in progress, and the team is performing very well giving us confidence going forward,” said the coach.