Online Reporter
Tawah Munthali
The Premier Netball League reached its halfway mark with a statement from defending champions ZDF Queens, who ended Makate High Flyers’ unbeaten run and seized control of a tightening title race.
A large crowd packed Mufakose 2 High School for the latest bubble, which featured Makate High Flyers, ZDF Queens, Chapungu, Aspindale, Beitbridge Border Queens and BBS College.
Fans, coaches and players from lower divisions turned out in large numbers, drawn by a programme that featured several top-of-the-table clashes.
The attendance provided further evidence of growing interest in domestic netball, although stakeholders say the sport still needs stronger corporate backing to sustain its progress.
Premier Netball League secretary-general Alice Mukunura welcomed the support shown throughout the weekend.
“We are encouraged by the support that we continue to receive from fans and members of the netball community,” she said. “The crowds we have seen here show that people are interested in the sport, but we need to continue working towards bringing more corporate partners on board so that the league can grow even further.”
Mukunura said the league was also beginning to show its value as a pathway to the national team.
“There has been significant growth in terms of attention on the league. A number of players received national team call-ups, particularly during the recent outing, and that shows the competition is providing a platform for talent to be identified and developed,” she said.
But the biggest talking point came on the court.
ZDF Queens handed Makate their first defeat of the season, grinding out a 40-36 victory in a fiercely contested encounter. The result not only ended Makate’s unbeaten streak, but also propelled the defending champions to the top of the standings on goal difference.
Makate responded impressively, edging Chapungu 44-42 in another high-quality contest to ensure they remained firmly in the championship picture heading into the second half of the campaign.
Makate coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki was unhappy with some officiating decisions, but praised his players’ resilience.
“I am not happy with some of the officiating decisions, but I cannot fault my players,” she said. “They gave everything and fought until the end against a very strong side. We will take the positives and focus on the next round of matches.”
For ZDF Queens coach Philemon Mangwiro, the victory underlined the value of experience in key moments.
“We have experienced players who understand what it takes to win titles, while the younger players bring energy and hunger. The combination has been important for us and we believe it will continue to help us as we defend our championship,” he said.
Chapungu may have suffered their first defeat of the season against Makate, but coach Tatenda Shinya remains convinced his side can challenge for honours.
“I would like to thank the players for their efforts as they are showing maturity. I hope they continue focusing and concentrating in every game because we are chasing the championship and we are only focused on collecting two points every time we play,” Shinya said.
At the halfway stage, little separates the leading contenders.
ZDF Queens have reclaimed pole position, Makate have shown they can bounce back under pressure and Chapungu remain firmly in the hunt.
The second half of the season promises a title fight that is far from settled.
