Sejewe, Gasekgonwe�s absence takes shine off top clash
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday July 8, 2016 14:36
Kutlwano come into the match without their captain, Sejewe who was injured during the national team’s Olympic Games qualifiers held in Cameroon early this year. The national team skipper is expected to be in the sidelines for nine months.
Kutlwano have accumulated 31 points from 11 wins. Speaking to Mmegi Sport, Kutlwano coach, Dopp Popo said Sejewe’s injury would take time to heal, although she has started doing light exercises.
“Her absence is affecting the structure of the team, especially that she is our captain. Her leadership is always handy in guiding the players. I had to put someone in her position of opposite attacker after her injury,” he said.
Thapelo Kamberuka has replaced Sejewe while Caroline Rodger has been shifted to Kamberuka’s position. Popo said players are fired up ahead of tomorrow’s clash and they attend training on time. He said the most critical areas they are working on include serve, covering of the court and block.
Mafolofolo would be walking into the court with revenge in mind after suffering a 3-2 defeat to Kutlwano in the previous encounter. ‘Powerful’ has 28 points after picking nine wins, but are without the versatile Gasekgonwe. The player twisted her ankle during league action against Spiking Stars last weekend. Attacker, Taboka Tema takes Gasekgonwe’s place.
Mafolofolo coach, Kabo Ntshinogang said he is not going to force Gasekgonwe to play when she is not fit.
“It does not make sense to field a player when she is not 100% fit. That can make the injury worse and take longer to heal. I want to give her enough time to heal,” he said.
Ntshinogang said the game is not a matter of life and death. He said there was no need for special preparations for the match. He is confident of his charges. “I know we will play well.”
Ntshinogang said they are still in a good position in the league. The two sides are to face each again in the second round. The first round ends in a fortnight.