The Sunday Mail
Veronica Gwaze
THE Zimbabwe Defense Forces’ Netball Queens continued in their fine run of form, recording their second win of the season at Harare Municipality grounds.
The Army side defeated their sister team Black Rhinos 71-33 with the impressive win coming barely a week after they beat Green Fuel 66-33 in Chisumbanje.
While it is only their second game of the campaign; it is the manner at which these wins have come, with the Defense Forces team being the only team to be champions Correctional Queens.
Prior to that defeat, last season, the marauding champions had gone for a whopping106 games without tasting defeats.
The ZDF Queens’ bright start has not come without its own blemishes; as they have conceded an identical 33 points in both encounters, something that has not gone down well with head coach Joel Sibanda.
Sibanda believes more defensive works needs to be done, if they are to mount a proper challenge for the title.
“Comparing with our first game, both performances and scores, we are improving gradually,” said the ZDF Queens gaffer.
“We need to work on our defence, as we cannot continue conceding these types of scores.
“It may cost us in the long run end, especially considering the fact we are just two games into the season.
“We also need to work on our mid court play, and transition must improve.
“Our defensive midcourt should go deep, to assist the defenders, as they end up absorbing too much pressure,” said Sibanda.
ZDF were without re-owned defender Media Mafuta, who is away on Beach Volleyball national duty, and Emma Sigauke.
However, Sibanda had lauded praise on new acquisition Shallom Ncube, a former Glow Petroleum and Falcon Queens defender, who rose to the occasion and championed the Army side to victory.
“So far I am pleased with Shallom’s fine performances.
“In the absence of our experienced defenders, she has come in as cover.
“Her fine performances, so far, means that there is depth in the team, especially when our more seasoned players return,” said the gaffer.
Black Rhinos Queens gaffer, Francis Parwaringira, showered praises on his charges, despite the defeat.
“ZDF are a big team- and obviously when you prepare for such games, you put your all to it- but the girls put up a good fight.
“They failed to utilise their shooting chances; and because ZDF have a strong defense, we needed to make every opportunity count.
“The girls managed to get the ball to the shooting ring; but failed to convert, and it is something we need to work on,” he said.
