Netball: Botswana slips against unbeaten Uganda

Thato Kala | Wednesday May 28, 2014 11:33

 

Botswana have amassed six points after winning three and losing two of their matches and now await the result between Kenya and Uganda to know if they have qualified for the final.

Kenya have won twice and drew once, and a win against fellow East Africans takes them to seven points. 

Botswana has itself to blame for landing in a difficult situation by failing to sustain its early momentum.

The hosts had endeared themselves to the fans in the first four encounters, but faded as the tournament progressed. The match between Uganda and Botswana was watched by perhaps the biggest ever crowd seen at the BONA Courts.

The Ugandans kept things tight at the back and led 14-8 at the end of the first quarter in probably their toughest match of the tournament.

Botswana often lost possession unnecessarily with the East Africans taking full advantage. Their goal shooter, Zamu Seeva seldom missed scoring chances upfront.

Botswana captain, Tara Matija weighed in with goals, but her consistency could not match that of the Ugandans. At the end of the second quarter, the East Africans led 25-16.

The third quarter was intriguing with Uganda stopping Botswana from playing their free-flowing game.

Botswana’s starlet, Boikanyo Selogetso did not play her usual game at goal attack.

The Ugandans were too aggressive and, time and again, were cautioned by the umpires.

They finished the third quarter in firm control with a 37-23 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Botswana coach, Abednico Chitale made a switch upfront, pushing forward Selogetso to goal shooter and dropping captain Matija.

The move improved Botswana’s attack, but proved too little too late as Uganda kept scoring.

Uganda led 46-31 midway through the last quarter as Botswana fluffed chances continuously.

Chitale admitted his charges did not get the rhythm they wanted. If they make the final, he said they will adopt a new strategy.

Uganda are already through and the general feeling is that they may let their fellow East Africans, Kenya to qualify for the final when they face off today. In the only other game played yesterday, Kenya beat Swaziland 88-18.