Rivals Ease Into Second Round
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday March 18, 2019 12:41
The game was part of the Southern Zone qualification for the second round. Rivals coach, Mmoloki Maphane said they had to win their encounter against Eagles at all costs and there was no need to have a plan.
He said the idea was not to play well or do anything right but to get points that would give them a ticket to the second round.
Maphane said his players did not complain of fatigue despite the high temperatures that they played in.
“We did a lot of physical training this week because we knew we were going to play many games this weekend. We took a long rest after the first match before taking on Eagles. It is the first time most of my players qualified for the second round so we must go back, strategies after knowing who we are facing in our bracket,” he said. Maphane said they are not aware of the venue for the second round but if it is Jwaneng, it would be an advantage. Meanwhile, Rivals had a slow start in the league where they lost four games in a row, only to find their ground in the fifth game.
Maphane said at one point he almost gave up. For his part, Eagles coach, Latzbon Segaise said his players were not mentally ready for the game. He said players knew what to do in the field but did not apply that.
“They expected a lot from the pitcher and did not perform when the play came to them. On the offence, batting was a challenge,” he said.
“Rivals pitcher reduced speed of the ball and my players went in full swing before the ball arrived. The infield was failing to catch the ball, I kept correcting same mistake over and over.” Segaise said there were easy balls including when a ball when straight to first base but the player did nothing with it. Meanwhile, Segaise said playing with young players is a challenge because implementing different tactics can be confusing to them.
He said all his players are Under-21 and it would take time for them to be competitive in the league. Other men’s teams that have qualified for the second round are Wells International, Gatalamotho, BDF IX, Panthers, Police IX and Vikings. The women’s teams are Wells, Police, Titans, BDF, Panthers and Vikings.
Results: Men: BDF 4-0 Police, Dinare 5-2 Blue Angels, Panthers 5-4
Rivals. Women: Eagles 8-2 Rivals.