Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZAMBEZI Eagles coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki has expressed satisfaction with his side’s progress as they participate in the Telkom Netball League in South Africa.
The national select side, anticipated to strengthen the senior national team, the Gems, are currently part of the teams competing in the TNL Power Week Two at Sun City Sun Park, South Africa.
Following a defeat in their first game last Friday against defending champions Free State Crinums, the Zambezi Eagles stepped up on Saturday to pull off a stunning comeback against North West Flames.
They won 64-62.
“We are seeing so much improvement from the individual players and we believe it will create the much-needed competition for the senior team and for one to make the Gems squad they would need to work hard.
“I think this tournament is important for us and it showed us certain things that we couldn’t pick up previously as we just called in players for camp when it’s time for competitions, we play the men’s side for friendlies and we go for competition.
“But this is a different approach,” said Mutsauki.
The Zambezi Eagles trailed the South African side for most of the game, as the Flames took the lead from the outset.
They went into the break leading 36-32.
The Flames maintained their dominance into the third quarter with quick transitions and passes and at some point, stretched their lead to 10 goals, which saw Mutsauki calling for a strategic time-out.
The call by the Zimbabwean coach paid off as his charges came back a much better side, composed, utilising their centre pass and turnovers to reduce the margin.
The quarter ended 46-50, with the Flames still in the lead.
But the Zambezi Eagles were not yet done and they put up a spirited fight in the last quarter to grab a 64-62 win, with the likes of goal attack Nicole Muzanenamo paired with goal shooter Thandazile Ndhlovu driving the team with her skill and accuracy in the shooting circle.
“I am happy with the performance of the team so far because when playing away, playing tough games like this game, you have to be mentally tough.
“If we go back to Friday’s game, it was a very tough game that required us to be mentally fit and physically fit because that team (Crinums) is a very good team. A very strong side and their movement — you could see that they were fit.
“Today’s game (Saturday), they did well.
“First and second quarter it was tough. We were losing the ball and we were a bit jittery. We could not intercede to get turnovers and they were already leading.
“We just told them not to put themselves under pressure but just play simple, basic netball and enjoy the game. They (Flames) had a 10-goal lead.
“Third quarter we managed to push to reduce the margin. In the fourth quarter, we made sure they didn’t make rushed decisions and ensured the ball gets to the shooting circle, using high balls on the final pass to take advantage of Thandazile’s height.
“We congested our mid and won a number of balls and we managed to pull off a strong comeback and win the game,” said Mutsauki.
Upenyu Muyambo, teaming up with Nikkie Mandeya for most of the game in defence, also had a good day on the court.
Muyambo got the Player of the Match award.
In an interview with SuperSport, Muyambo said; “I am happy. I want to thank all the supporters.
“It was a tough game but we push as a team, we defend as a team and we attack as a team,” said Muyambo.
On the other hand, Muzanenamo continues to prove her mettle on the court as she walked away with Player of the Match last Friday, despite the Eagles’ loss to Crinums. The Zambezi Eagles wrap up their participation at the TNL tournament with a game against Fireballs tomorrow.
