Platinum Queens netball team coach Simbarashe Mlambo is on cloud nine after his players clinched their third Nedbank Premier Netball League (NPL) title on the trot.
The league hosted its season finale at White City Stadium in Bulawayo over the weekend, where the Zvishavane-based side emerged champions in a tightly contested title decider against GreenFuel.
Just like last season, the two teams were contesting for the title as they went into this finale with Greenfuel closely trailing behind Platinum Queens. The defending champions were on 66 points while Green Fuel were on 60 points and both teams had lost a game each.
However, GreenFuel fell short as they trailed behind from the first quarter up to the final whistle before Platinum Queens secured a win with a 26-23 victory.
“We are so excited to make it three in a row as champions and we want to thank the Almighty, our supporters and the girls who showed much maturity and were so composed. They knew what was expected of them back home and I applaud them,” said Mlambo.
Reflecting from where they lost against Ngezi during the season, Mlambo was happy that they managed to bounce back as a team and maintained their winning ways.
“We celebrated the national call ups for the national team going to the World Cup and we suffered a loss during that time since most of our players were on national duty. However, I think it has proved how big we are as a club, and we appreciate that we came out strong and we beat Ngezi on Saturday in a very difficult match. It was everyone’s game, and we were remembering the late Sbekezelo Ncube who was also part of the team that lost to Ngezi in the first round, and we just needed to win this one for her. The whole season was also challenging but I really appreciate what the girls have done.”
“It’s definitely very important for us to appreciate those who have been supporting us even when we are down and it's definitely something to cheer about and I know they are coming back to support us in the next season as well,” he said.
- Platinum Queens retain NPL title
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