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Tadious Manyepo-Sports Reporter
NEDBANK Premier Netball League leaders ZDF Queens are keen to fence-off their lead at the top of the standings, but they have to pass two crucial examinations in today’s bubble in Harare.
The pacesetters know they can’t afford to slip up at this critical phase of the season especially with Black Rhinos, Harare District and Harare City always threatening.
But they will move closer to the title with wins over City Angels and Stormers at the Manyame Air Base today.
They hold the aces with Black Rhinos and Harare City set to cancel each other out when they square off at the same venue in the same bubble.
It is Harare City who can climb a step or two up the ladder with the Assah Zimusi-inspired side set to play three games in Mutare.
They will face Mutare City, Argistars and 7 Flames with the Harare municipality side expected to roll over all their opponents and find their way up the standings.
All eyes will be on ZDF Queens though who are yet to falter this season.
Vice-captain Mwarikisi yesterday said the soldiers are in no mood to loosen up their grip at the apex.
“The idea is to cling on, maintain our winning spirit and encourage each other going into tomorrow’s (today) matches,” said Mwarikisi.
“We have come a long way to falter now. We have stayed focused and put everything into training.
“Every game is a new game and we cannot afford to underrate our opponents. Every team is motivated to stop us and we know that can put a lot of pressure on us as players.
“But we definitely know what we exactly need to do because at the end of the day we are fighting to win the championship. That is beyond the question but we need to follow and execute the process well for us to march towards the podium”.
While ZDF Queens will get most of the attention, the match between Harare District and Black Rhinos Queens is sure to be a tight contest.
Rhinos have lost just once to ZDF Queens and they know they will twist the race with a victory over the leaders in the return leg in the coming weeks.
And they can’t let that opportunity go with a defeat to Harare District who themselves also entertain hopes of winning the title if they collect the maximum points in this much-anticipated fixture.
Both sides also have a date against Falcons at the same bubble.
Mutare Bubble
Mutare City v 7 Flames, Harare City v Argistars, Mutare City v Harare City, Harare City v 7 Flames, Mutare City v Argistars, Harare Bubble (Manyame Air Base), Harare District v Falcons, ZDF Queens v City Angels, Waterfalls v St P&P, City Angels v St P&P, ZDF Queens v Stormers, JT High Fliers v ZUPCO, Black Rhinos v Harare District, Beitbridge v Stormers, Black Rhinos v Falcons, Waterfalls v ZUPCO, ZDF Queens v ZUPCO
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