Cops invade Big House
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday October 9, 2015 11:20
Kutlwano, affectionately known as Big House, has a score to settle with the Cops.
At the end of the 60 minutes, one of the two will walk away with Capital Motors Top 8 title. The battleground is Molepolole Institute of Health Sciences (IHS).
A lot is at stake for both sides after Police VI reached the final last year only to lose to Diphatsa while Kutlwano last played in the final three years ago.
Key man for Kutlwano: Libion Machae (centre blocker)
His strength: Machae attacks and blocks well. He has a good service and his presence motivates the team.
What he said: “I am going there to play according to the coach’s instruction and work with the team. You cannot win anything if you play as an individual. We have to stick together to be victorious.”
His career: Machae started playing volleyball in 2006 as a setter and in 2009 he moved to centre blocker. He said he changed his position because of the many setters his school team had. The 1.96 meters tall player joined Kutlwano in December 2009. He says being in the starting line up was not easy because he had to compete with players such as Peaceful Seleka, Thatayaone Serema, Johny, Given Molalazi and Thank Seswai.
What the coach said:
Kutlwano coach, Dopp Popo, said he has advised his players not to win the game before they play it. He said Police VI are doing well and should not be undermined. He said Kutlwano go into the final as underdogs. He said the arrival of Reabetswe Jaba is expected to boost attack and defence. He said his squad was depleted when they played the semi-final and he intends to bring a strong squad to face Police VI.
Key man for Police VI: Jackson Kewakae (setter)
Standing at 1.74 metres, Kewakae carries the hopes and dreams of ‘The Cops’ on his broad shoulders.
Career: The player joined the club in 2012 from Mafolofolo. He only got his break the following year.
What he said: Kewakae said he does not like losing hence he is always encouraging his teammates to work hard. “We must work together as a team for us to get positive results. I get emotional when tactics are not going well or when I set a ball for someone and they fail to capitalise. That can spoil my game.” He said playing against Kutlwano is a motivation for him as a player. He said last year they walloped Kutlwano 3-0 in the quarterfinal of the same tournament. Kewakae said they are keen to avoid the same mistakes from last year’s final. He said Police VI have been consistent since last season when they finished in second position. He said the idea is to bag both the league and the Capital Motors tournament.
What the coach said: Police VI coach, Tshepho Iketeng said they do not want to relax during the final like they did last year. He said they have introduced new combinations which they expect to work in their favour.