BDF VI Stings Itekeng

Calistus Kolantsho | Monday June 8, 2015 14:04

• BDF VI (3)
• Itekeng (1)

The game started with BDF stretching the lead going into the second set leading 2-0. In the biting cold of the diamond mine, Theko Baruti stung Itekeng players with a thunderbolt taken from afar field to increase the score.

Itekeng came back piped up into the set after an exchange of coaches. Moreri Ramme made way for Director Lebetwa. The changes saw Itekeng launching more attacks.

Itekeng then replaced Utlwang Lekgari with Tebogo Semadi, just when the side was leading 12-10. Itekeng had now found the soldiers’ weaknesses and seemed to go for the kill.

BDF VI did not let that dampen their spirits as they pulled an equaliser a few minutes later to take the score to 12-12. The towering Thupadintsi Nthompe took a thunderous spike that Itekeng players failed to block.

 The forth set saw Itekeng sending a message to their opponents through Mosha Motshubi. BDF made changes and threw in Kabo Moetse to beef up its attack. The two sides showed no respect for each other as they continued with their fast paced game. The arrival of Moetse saw the visitors extending the lead to 20-17.  The crucial set gave Itekeng the edge to push for a win that they have been nagging for long against the army boys. That was not meant to be, as BDF throttled home with maximum points.

Itekeng has a game in hand after playing five games. The side has won two and lost three games so far.

Speaking to Monitor Sport after the game, Itekeng coach Lebetwa pointed out that the game did not go according to plan especially the first two sets.

He said BDF is not a side that can be allowed to take a lead of more than ten points.

He added that when that happens it is difficult to catch up. Lebetwa said they reduced the margin in the last two sets that saw them come back into the game. “I made changes and introduced players who could add value to my side. The main challenge I have is that my players run out of steam at the crucial moment of the game. I think players put themselves under pressure. The mistakes that we made killed us,” he said.

BDF coach, Daniel Baoki told Monitor Sports that the win meant a lot for his charges because they have not been doing well in the past assignments.

He said the win was a morale booster and will be used to up-tempo and build momentum going forward. He said they tend to continue working hard on their mistakes before their next game in a fortnight time.

 

The team’s line up:

BDF:  Mokongwa Tseme, Lakidzani James, Theko Mothibi, Kesaobaka Leokopane, Moemedi Siphambe, and Patrick Thare (setter).

Itekeng: Tebogo Semadi, Keoikantse Matlhaba, Agobakwe Letsholo, Mbiganyi Kedisitse, Evans Ramolefhe, Motshubi and Thata Karusa (setter)