The Sunday News
Shelly Guni, Sports Reporter
PLATINUM Queens coach, Simbarashe Mlambo attributed his team’s success in the inaugural Premier Netball League launch tournament to mental strength.
The Zvishavane-based side defeated Gold Reef 26-16 in the final match of the tournament that was held at White City Stadium. Eighteen teams took part in the tournament under strict Covid-19 protocols.
“The mental strength was good. That is why we got it at the end. The stamina we can still work on that,” Mlambo said.
Platinum played against Zimbabwe Defence Forces in a nail-biting semi-final match which went all the way to the extra time as the teams were deadlocked 15-15. Mlambo however, feels that his players were respecting their opponents more.
“We started walking, walking netball doesn’t win the game. We made some changes tactically and told the girls to show me what they are made of.”
In 2018, Platinum Queens won the inaugural Rainbow Amateur Netball League after defeating Glow Petroleum in the finals.
Zimbabwe Netball Association president Letitia Chipandu was the guest of honour.
Also present at the tournament were representatives from the Ministry of Youth Arts Sports and Culture, the Sports and Recreation Commission.
Chipandu said the coming of the new professional league will act as a boost to the development of netball in the country.
