RANL gets off to flying start

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
THE Glow Petroleum-funded Rainbow Amateur Netball League got off to a flying start over the weekend with the girls taking to the courts in Harare, Bulawayo, Mutare and Kwekwe.

The league was supposed to start last weekend but couldn’t after Zimbabwe Netball Association claimed the Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) had not yet cleared the league to start games. There has not yet been any independent verification to those claims.

There were attempts too to stop the league’s preseason tournament two weeks back.

However, this time around it was all systems go and the girls did not disappoint although there is a clear evidence of below par fitness levels.

In Bulawayo, three teams, the hosts Khami Queens, coached by Irvin Zimbizi, were joined by Hwange Queens and Pistons from Harare.

The hosts got off to a flying start, pummeling Pistons 67-16 with Liona Nyathi accounting for 46 of those goals infront of an appreciative crowd that included Ranl vice secretary general Precious Mudenge and media personnel .

There was however agony for the hosts when they faced a Patricia Moyo led Hwange Queens who beat them 41- 33 with Moyo scoring 36.

Hwange Queens, whose future is not certain as they are struggling to have a financial muscle, completed a day’s work with their 64- 20 win over Pistons. It’s perhaps the same scenario with Khami Queens who however seem to have an added advantage from a very supportive leadership in prisons commanders. In Harare, giants ZRP Mambas made light work of their fellow security services agents Support Unit, winning 60-14.

While she might have retired from the national team, Pauline Jani still has that scoring instinct after netting 37 times and was duly named the golden hand winner.

Correctional Queens were 61- 11 winners over Ruwa. Simangaliso Mukozhiwa took the golden hand crown with 43 goals.

Glow Petroleum, coached by former Gems centre and captain Perpetual Siyachitema were on a rampage, scoring an incredible 127 goals to six scored by opponents Hi-flier.

Golden Valley prevailed 80-34 over Hi-flier before becoming victims themselves after a 82-13 loss to Glow Petroleum.

“We are happy as Ranl leadership with what is happening, netball is back and back for good,” said Mudenge.

You Might Also Like

Comments