Netball: Botswana edge close to final

Thato Kala | Sunday May 25, 2014 17:31

 

The win was the third for Botswana and almost guarantees them a place in the final.

Zimbabwe, Kenya and Swaziland are out of contention for a place in the final while Namibia have two tricky assignments against Zimbabwe and favourites Uganda.

Against Namibia, the hosts pressed forward from the onset and reaped a few goals.

Namibia had gone in with a good reputation after beating East Africans Kenya on Saturday. Kenya had earlier beaten Botswana narrowly.

But the hosts came out guns blazing on Sunday afternoon and played some purposeful netball.

They led 12-10 at the end of the quarter.

Botswana continued pouring forward in search of a comfortable lead.

At half time, they led 27-19.

The third quarter was more exhilarating with the hosts opening a 11-goal lead.

But the Namibians came back strongly and narrowed the margin. They went to half time trailing by just one goal.

They tightened at the back in the final quarter but Botswana managed to squeeze in goals through Boikanyo Selogetso and Tara Matija.

Botswana Netball Association (BONA) president, Tebogo Lebotse-Sebego said she was happy with the performance and called on Batswana to come and support the team when they play Uganda on Tuesday.

'It was a great game, the team showed a lot of improvement. They just need to work on their confidence. But I'm happy. They shouldn't have lost to Kenya,' Lebotse-Sebego said.

She believes Uganda will be Botswana's toughest opponents.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe held Kenya to a 39-39 draw, ending their hopes of a final berth.

Kenya have won one, lost twice and played one draw.