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Ellina Mhlanga
Senior Sports Reporter
PREMIER Netball League secretary-general Liberty Mhizha says giving players an opportunity to return to competition this year after a long break due to the Covid-19 pandemic was their major highlight for 2021 season.

The league was established this year and launched in September.

They had a crash programme with 20 teams competing in their inaugural season where matches were played in a bubble set-up.

The involved teams had to play as many games when they met for each of the four bubbles that were staged.

The final games were held in Beitbridge where Platinum Queens were crowned champions a week ago.

Mhizha said being their first season, it was a learning curve but they are pleased they pulled through.

“Every new journey is not easy but l am glad we pulled through successfully.

“There was a lot of positive competition amongst athletes despite the prolonged lay off and new talent has been nurtured in these clubs such that the future is bright.

“Learning is a process and each day gives room for improvement… If nothing changes, we expect the (2022) season to begin within the first quarter of the year,” said Mhizha.

The league is set to hold an awards ceremony to honour the championship winners and individuals that were outstanding during the season.

“The awards are coming because athletes deserve to be rewarded. A date for the awards will be communicated soon and hopefully partners will continue having the desire to associate with the brand,” said Mhizha.

They are looking at honouring league winners, first and second runner-ups, the most disciplined team, best player of the season and the best shooter.

Platinum Queens dominated the league to finish with 79 points from a possible 80. Out of 40 matches they won 39 and drew one.

The club’s coach Simbarashe Mlambo attributed their success in the just-ended season to hard work and persistence.

He is hoping to continue improving his side going into next year and grooming talent that can also play for the national team.

“I think the girls really worked for this one and it was a long journey for them from when I came in to join the ship as well. But I think it’s all hard work and persistence, the resilience that is needed to win titles, it’s just phenomenal.

“It’s just one of the best things that has ever happened to them and I think the hard work and resilience finally paid off.

“So I guess what’s next is another challenge, another year. How best can we win, how can we mould talent, how can we just improve on what we have so far and make sure that our nation is well represented in regional tournaments and international tournaments.

“But for the club, I guess we open another chapter, retaining the title and improving as we go and making sure that our play is worth celebrating worth,” said Mlambo.

Harare City and Ngezi Platinum finished second and third respectively.