Vipers humble BDF Cats
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday January 22, 2024 16:50
Vipers made one of the greatest comebacks to win a tightly contested match by a single goal. Cats started the match on a high note dominating the first three quarters and it seemed like they were heading for victory in an entertaining men’s clash. Vipers seemed to struggle to keep up as fatigue was setting in due to the scorching afternoon heat at the BONA Courts.
Vipers shooter (GS), Henry Moalosi missed quite a few chances especially when under pressure from BDF defence led by goal keeper (GK) Boike Rathari. BDF GS, Ogaisitse Sampson was in his element, punishing his opponents to set the tone moving into the second quarter.
The second quarter started with Vipers threatening to go for the net but the BDF defence had a good day in office. Former Vipers player, Bonang Moswate was pivotal in the centre creating seamless movement to connect with the attackers. BDF goal attack (GA), Chad Peter netted any call coming his way to give his side a 13-11 lead as the two sides continued playing entertaining netball.
Vipers were forced to make errors, leading to emotions running high. Vipers tried to build something special from mid-court but Rathari dealt with the danger. BDF claimed the second quarter 18-16. After the half time break, BDF continued where they left off. However, Sampson had two misses.
Vipers were on target after a long struggle with constant communication from goal attacker, Larona Matlhaga who is also a player coach. BDF was no longer causing havoc like they did in the first half although Sampson continued with his long range shots. On the other hand, Peter was on target to give BDF a third quarter victory of 28-21.
The fourth quarter saw Vipers making some changes introducing four players who were making their debut, which included, wing defender (WD), Tshepang Tom and goal defender (GD) Ofentse Sigwele. Vipers were trailing but the changes injected positive energy on the players as they found the net, which saw them equalising 34-34.
That changed the complexion of the game with a few minutes to go before the match ended. Vipers, who are the men’s defending champions, proved their mettle as they went all the way to hammer the last nail in the coffin. Speaking to SportMonitor, BDF coach, Neo Ntwayagae said they had only trained for two weeks which meant working on fitness of players and teaching them ball control at the same time. “We deserved a win against Vipers, after dominating the entire match, only to lose in the last minutes. The players played very well, and displayed good skills of netball.
They were just unfortunate on mental strength and court discipline,” she said. Ntwayagae said despite the loss, they picked some lessons from their opponents including placing of the ball and passing at the right time. For his part, Matlhaga said the plan was to give new players that joined Vipers an opportunity to have a feel of the game.
He said as champions, they want to defend their title but at the same time, he is building a team after some players joined other clubs. “The first three quarters we were not connecting and we were putting ourselves under unnecessary pressure. I told my players that we are smart, we have trained hard, apply what we had discussed during training and play our own style of play,” he said. Teams
BDF Cats Catholic Janson, Donald Kebarileng, Oarabile Kgalemang, Kamogelo Lephojane, John Lucas, Moswate, Peter, Obuile Ramosesane, Rathari, Sampson and Tefo Sengwaketsi Coach: Ntwayagae
Vipers Malefo Golekanye, Onalethata Maabong, Maatla Mashiakgomo, Matlhaga, Moalosi, Modise, Tshepiso Rakhobo, Tlotlanang Rantsimako, Sigwele, Tshepang and Oaitse Tshiping. Coach: Modibedi
Vipers: 35 BDF Cats: 34