The Sunday Mail
Veronica Gwaze
FOR Platinum Queens, winning the inaugural Premier Netball League title was not just about making a name for themselves or bragging rights.
It was about bringing some cheer to the mining town of Zvishavane!
“Ma Primary”, as they are affectionately known within netball circles, not only won the PNL title, they also finished the season unbeaten.
Harare City and Ngezi Platinum Queens finished second and third respectively.
The league, which was established in September, ran a crash programme under the bio-bubble concept, which allowed them to accommodate more games within the shortest span of time.
“ This was a brilliant season for us”, said head coach Simbarashe Mlambo.
“It was not just about us, the fans expected a lot from us, and Zvishavane would simply not allow any other team to outshine us.
Their encouragement and huge cheers acted as motivation, and we had to deliver”.
Mlambo praised how they went about their business, especially as injuries sidelined some of the players while others got called up for duty with the national team.
Captain Nomagugu Makhalima, Progress Moyo, Lynette Tanhira, Priscilla Ndlovu and Claris Kwaramba participated at the Pent Series and African Championships that were held in Windhoek, Namibia earlier in November.
Among them, Makhalima,Tanhira and Ndlovu were making their debuts for the Gems.
With all that talent missing, the fact that Platinum Queens still managed to finish unbeaten is testament of the team’s depth and skill. “ It was an outstanding performance from the girls, especially the team that stood up in our time of need, “ said Mlambo.
“ As a coach you do not want to put a lot of pressure on your players, but surprisingly the girls welcomed the huge expectations and made sure they fulfilled it”.
With the job done, Mlambo is already plotting his title defence.
“ In our maiden season, we just wanted to enjoy and play the game,” he said.
“The title came as a bonus, but it has placed the bat in our hands and we now need to defend it.
“ We need to ensure we stay on top.
“We have young players, and completing the season on a high means we are in the right direction.
“The future is bright”.
Platinum Queens, unlike some teams who seek to bolster during the long break, will not embark on a recruitment drive.
Mlambo is satisfied with the team’s composition and depth.
“ We are happy and comfortable with the depth we have.
“We simply need to make sure that the boat does not sink, so the team should be physically and mentally strong enough to meet whatever challenges and obstacles that await us”.
