admin
Sports Reporter
ZDF Queens coach Prince Ncube says they have to be cautious in their approach going into today’s Nedbank Premier Netball League games in Zvishavane.
They face-off against rivals Platinum Queens, Lupane and Beitbridge Border in the matches lined up for today.
The fourth-placed ZDF Queens, who lost to Platinum Queens in their first meeting, in the first half of the season will be hoping to turn the tables in their favour this time around.
“Going into this game, we are just going to stick to our game plan, whether it’s Platinum, whether it’s Beitbridge or Lupane. We are not underestimating or overestimating any of the teams. We just need to approach the games with caution.”
With the return of their top shooters Sharon Bwanali and Tafadzwa Matura who were with the Gems for the World Cup campaign, Ncube said they are looking to be at their best.
“It’s a great boost for the squad because they have been in camp for more than two months, in a continuous camp.
“Then international exposure, they learnt a lot when they went for the World Cup, which is the world’s biggest stage. They played at the World Cup, so they learnt a lot during that competition, so it’s a great boost for the squad. Their return boosts the team.
“We are well geared for the games, all of them. The morale in camp is very high and according to our preparations, we have done all the work, we are well prepared. We are ready to play the games,” said Ncube.
Speaking to The Herald during the week, Platinum Queens coach Simbarashe Mlambo said they will be out to utilise their home advantage as their games against ZDF are usually closely contested.
“Obviously we have got the game against ZDF, they are always a worthy competitor and we respect them very much. But we are at home, we are going to use our home advantage and give them a run for their money. It’s anybody’s game, it’s a fifty-fifty chance, we can win, we can lose.
“We know what we are going to face and what to expect but we are hoping that we will make it against Beitbridge and Lupane, and ZDF,” said Mlambo.
Other matches will be played in Mhondoro-Ngezi, Mvurwi, Harare and Shamva as the teams converge in clusters.
Third-placed GreenFuel are also geared for the games as they are expected to take on City Angels and Mvurwi. They would want to maintain their winning formula when they take to the court.
GreenFuel coach Sibonginkosi Dube said with the season now in its last half, they intend to improve their scoring rate as it may be a determining factor on the final standings at the end of the season.
“We are quite ready for the games and we intend to put on a show.
“It is very important to approach every game with serious intent and always put our best foot forward despite the level of competition we are facing as goals scored might be a determining factor on who ends up where on the log table at the end of the season. “We intend to keep a clean sheet and up our scoring rate,” said Dube.
GreenFuel finished second in the previous season, behind defending champions Platinum Queens and are among strong contenders for the championship this year.
Fixtures
Today
Filchrist Boarding vs Filchrist ZJC, Filchrist Boarding vs Waterfalls, Filchrist Boarding vs Marondera, Filchrist ZJC vs Waterfalls, Filchrist ZJC vs Marondera, Waterfalls vs Marondera, Ngezi vs Rhinos, Ngezi vs Mutare City, Ngezi vs Zupco, Rhinos vs Mutare City, Rhinos vs Zupco, Mutare City vs Zupco, Stormers vs Harare District, Stormers vs Redwing, Stormers vs Expandable, Harare District vs Redwing, Harare District vs Expandable, Redwing vs Expandable, Harare City vs Mvurwi, Harare City vs City Angels, Mvurwi vs City Angels, Mvurwi vs GreenFuel, City Angels vs GreenFuel, Platinum Queens vs Beitbridge Border, Platinum Queens vs ZDF Queens, Platinum Queens vs Lupane, Beitbridge Border vs ZDF Queens, Beitbridge Border vs Lupane, ZDF Queens vs Lupane.
Online Reporter