THE Rainbow Netball League rolls to the Lowveld on Saturday for the rearranged Chisumbanje Bubble after it was postponed at the weekend.
The hosts, Green Fuel, play Tenax before the latter take on Santa.
Green Fuel versus Santa concludes the programme.
The bubble was postponed at the request of Santa Queens following bereavement within their camp.
Green Fuel have a very youthful team, which includes national team player Nicole Muzanenhamo.
She will be expected to drive her team as they seek to make a mark in the league this season.
Green Fuel are dreaming big and have set their sights on winning the championship.
The postponement of the bubble has its effect on teams as they play fortnightly and the Tenax coach, Blessing Chinyowa, shared his concern over the postponement of the fixtures.
“It had an effect on our preparations because the girls were ready, but now, we will not have much time to rest considering that we having another bubble next weekend in Masvingo,” he said.
“But it’s part of life. We have to adjust since the postponement was due to a genuine cause.”
Santa Queens head coach Tapiwa Chirenda is expecting a tough challenge this weekend.
“Well, our first weekend game is the toughest in the bubble, if I am not mistaken because we have been pooled with a seasoned powerhouse, Green Fuel, as well our elder Manicaland sisters Tenax, who are just as experienced as Green Fuel,” Chirenda said.
“We list all the matches against them last season. All said, we have relatively maintained the same Santa squad with one or two low-profile additions.
“As we focus on building a future Manicaland power house, we come into these games as the minnows and we are not coming to surrender games, but rather to show the league that we are here to compete and grow.”
He lamented the prospect of playing in two consecutive weeks.
“The postponement for us was due to bereavement, so it actually disrupted our preparations and it just adds to the pressure of playing consecutive bubbles.”
Green Fuel coach Sibonginkosi Dube also said his side was disappointed by the postponement of last weekend’s matches, but however, they got more time to prepare.
“The postponement dented the morale in camp and killed the adrenaline rush. The girls were raring to go,” Dube said.
“On the other hand, it has given us more time to prepare for the bubble and explore other combinations that we did not have time to work on.”
