Sports Reporter
LEADERS Ngezi Platinum Queens are hoping to step up to the challenge when the Nedbank Premier Netball League games return this weekend after a month-long break.
The league has a full programme this Saturday with the 20 teams converging at various venues across the country as they have been grouped into five clusters for the second bubble of the second half of the season.
The league took a break for the World Cup.
The likes of Claris Kwaramba, Progress Moyo and Elizabeth Mushore are back from their World Cup adventure.
Ngezi Platinum, who have played 24 games, are leading the race with 46 points from 23 games.
They have lost one match.
They are followed by Zvishavane-based Platinum Queens and Green Fuel on second and third place. They both have 44 points from 22 matches but Platinum have a superior goal difference.
Ngezi Platinum coach, Tapiwa Chirenda, said the break for the World Cup, may have some effects on the team’s momentum but is hopeful they will rise to the challenge.
They take on Rhinos, Mutare City and Zupco in Mhondoro-Ngezi.
“Our preparations for the return games have started off quite well. The disruption caused by the World Cup might affect us a bit but we are hoping we hit the road running.
“Definitely, for the momentum we had built first half, we might see a lag in performance but we are hoping we will step up sooner than later.
“Some clubs have been affected by these breaks worse than others. So it will be interesting to see what happens going forward.
“As we get to the weekend we are hoping to collect maximum points and in the process polish up on several concepts that we have introduced to the ladies,” said Chirenda.
The top three teams – Ngezi Platinum, Platinum Queens and GreenFuel have lost a match each so far.
Fixtures
Saturday
Filchrist Boarding vs Filchrist ZJC
Filchrist Boarding vs Waterfalls
Filchrist Boarding vs Marondera
Filchrist ZJC vs Waterfalls
Filchrist ZJC vs Marondera
Waterfalls vs Marondera
Ngezi vs Rhinos
Ngezi vs Mutare City
Ngezi vs Zupco
Rhinos vs Mutare City
Rhinos vs Zupco
Mutare City vs Zupco
Stormers vs Harare District
Stormers vs Redwing
Stormers vs Expandable
Harare District vs Redwing
Harare District vs Expandable
Redwing vs Expandable
Harare City vs Mvurwi
Harare City vs City Angels
Mvurwi vs City Angels
Mvurwi vs GreenFuel
City Angels vs GreenFuel
Platinum Queens vs Beitbridge Border
Platinum Queens vs ZDF Queens
Platinum Queens vs Lupane
Beitbridge Border vs ZDF Queens
Beitbridge Border vs Lupane
ZDF Queens vs Lupane.