Cheetahs, Jaguars in cat fight
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday March 24, 2017 15:06
The rivalry is two years old as Jaguars are relatively new kids on the block, but their performance has belied their age.
Jaguars boldly declared that they want to win the league, and it appears Cheetahs did not take kindly to that and want to make a statement each time they meet the other specie from the cat family.
It is difficult to predict where the pendulum would swing when the two meet. Jaguars have the speed due to their young crop of players while Cheetahs retain experience and strength. The Cheetahs booked themselves a spot in the final after thrashing Gaborone Hogs 13-7. Jaguars walloped Cheetahs B team 15-6 in the other semi final.
Cheetahs spokesperson, Modesto Madzambi told Mmegi Sport that his charges are fired up ahead of the game.
He said they will not leave any stone unturned or undermine their opponents. He admitted that Jaguars can be lethal if given room to make runs and control the game.
“We are going to introduce our new lock, Kaura Kaura. He is going to bring power in the scrum and soar to great heights in the line-out,” he said. Madzambi said his side has Lemponye Ngaka who has the muscle, pace and height. Ngaka has been part of the national team for many years and his experience is expected to work for his side. He is an aggressive player who takes on his opponents without fear and also identifies gaps.
Kagiso Molefi is expected to play a big role in the back line due to his speed. Team captain, Eddie Ernest is expected to lead his charges and make sure that they get many tries as possible. On the other side of the field, Jaguars have to bring out their best if they are to claim their first notable piece of silverware.
Jaguars players have the speed that can cause headaches for Cheetahs. If the game plan they had during the semi-final match, is anything to go by, Cheetahs interim coach, Gilbert Machobana would have to dig deeper to contain the Jaguars.