Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga in SUN CITY, South Africa
THE Zambezi Eagles wrap up their participation at the Telkom Netball League Power Week One this afternoon with a match against Free State Crinums at the Sun City Superbowl in which they are seeking to end on a high.
Having won three games and lost four, the Zimbabwe select side would want to conclude Power Week One with yet another victory.
Coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki is alive to the fact that it is not going to be an easy task considering their opponents have had a good show so far, losing just one game to the log leaders Fireballs.
Mutsauki would want see his charges giving it their best when they take to the court today. For the Zambezi Eagles, the games form a key part of their preparations for the 2027 World Cup.
Zimbabwean players rarely get enough international sparring games on the court before such big competitions like the World Cup.
While the Eagles are a guest team, for South African clubs, the tournament is a big battle for silverware.
They have to make sure they put themselves in a good position ahead of Power Week Two and Three, scheduled for June and July, respectively.
“So far, we have tried to work on improving, especially our defence because the team we are facing is a very good side. It’s a balanced team in all departments,” Mutsauki said.
He also emphasised the importance of teamwork in defence.
“We have to play as a team, defend as a team because if we leave it to the goalkeeper, goal defence and wing defence, it will be tough for us because that team is very strong.
“It’s better for us to be patient in our game and reach the goal third and utilise our centre pass because if they win our centre pass it means it’s a goal because it will be difficult for us to defend,” he added.
Despite a recent loss to the Fireballs, they effectively utilised each possession to advance towards the goal circle.
“There are slim chances they will miss because it’s a good side.
“I have been following their games, of course they lost to Fireballs but I noticed that each ball they got they utilised and they made sure they get to goal circle.
“So, we need to make sure we intercept one or two of their passes,” he pointed out.
Mutsauki, who is the national team coach, said they have to be cautious going into today’s match and bring their A game.
“With the time that we have and whenever we get the chance to train, we try to work on our weaknesses because we didn’t get enough time to prepare. When you are playing such a strong side, you need to be mobile. If we don’t do that, we will end up with so many unforced errors and it will cost us.
“We have to be very cautious. We have to be slow but sure, avoid long balls, high balls because that will be an advantage to them. They are tall,” added Mutsauki.
With a two-day break on Friday and yesterday, the Eagles have found some time to rest and recharge their batteries, with captain Sharon Bwanali and her deputy Nicole Muzanenhamo expected to lead the team to glory today.
They will be hoping to carry the momentum from their last game against Southern Stings, which they won 61-57, having fought their way back to snatch victory in the dying embers of the encounter.
“I think we have to be patient enough, especially when we get a turnover. We will be playing against a very good team, so we are going to give our best. We are going to fight until the last whistle. I am sure the ladies will do what they know best and bring better results,” Muzanenamo said.
Following an understanding between the Zimbabwe Netball Association and the organisers, the Eagles are also expected to grace Power Week Two of this competition next month.
Online Reporter