The ManicaPost
Fungayi Munyoro Sports Correspondent —
MUTARE’S only representatives in the Netball Super League, Mutare City Queens, have began their 2017 preseason preparations earnestly with their coach, Simba Nenhunzi taking the team through physical drills.
Nenhunzi is optimistic that his team will make it to the top as he has beefed it with more fine players.
Speaking to The Weekender last Saturday, the mentor expressed confidence of a better season.
“This is a new season to us as a club. We hope to play well as I have beefed up my squad with five more players that I cannot reveal as for now until we are done with the logistics.
“We have learnt from our mistakes and we are taking them as a stepping stone to a greater and better season. We will not dwell on yesteryear mistakes, but we are soldiering on.
“Last year was our second year after returning to the super league. We have leant a lot over the past two years and we will take note of all the mistakes that made us lose some of the easy encounters.
“This year we are a better side and the girls are raring to go. We are so excited about the new season. Last year what I think cost us was lack of experience as most of the players were coming from first division. We finished on seventh position which I think is fair enough for us. This year my target is to finish in top five,” said the soft spoken gaffer.
Mutare City Queens which is owned by Mutare City Council finished on seventh position last season after playing a total of 25 games.
Of the 25 games played, the team won 13, drew one and lost 11. They collected 27 points.
Glow Petroleum was the 2016 champions after finishing on top with 47 points off 24 matches. The Harare giants only lost a single match.
City of Harare was on second position with 38 points, while Midlands’ Beta Queens came third with only a single point behind City of Harare.
Correctional Queens, which is a collection of all Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Services teams failed to make the expected impact as they collected 36 points finished on fourth position.
ZRP collected 32 points, while ZDF were a point behind them. Ruwa struggled all the way. They played 24 games and failed to collect even a single point. This year, the season will begin early March.
City Queens bounced back in the elite league in 2015 after spending three years playing First Division league. Their youthful gaffer believes that his side can turn the tables and bring smiles back on Mutare netball fans.
