Jaguars Outpace Cheetahs To Win Cup
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday March 27, 2017 15:48
The two sides started the match on a high note, showing no respect for each other. It was Jaguars who finished the first half ahead with six points after scoring two penalties. Cheetahs came back a changed side, forcing action mostly in Jaguars half. The Cheetahs made a good run in the middle of the park through Shamwaka James only to be let down by Khumoetsile Ntwaetsile who failed to catch the pass in the 50th minute.
Cheetahs were awarded a penalty a few minutes later, but Lovemore Jameson missed the target. Jaguars tight head prop, Thapelo Morei tried to break away with a brilliant pace from the centre line, only to be halted by the Cheetahs defence.
The pressure from Cheetahs saw Jaguars making some changes, throwing in Maitlamo Motshwane and Dent Patrick to try and contain the marauding Cheetahs in 55th minute.
Cheetahs on the other hand introduced their new Namibian signing, Vevangaije Kaura who replaced Aubrey Selelo in the 60th minute. Cheetahs’ hard work paid off when James scored a try in the 63rd minute with Mogotsi Noah scoring a conversion to make it 7-6 in favour of Cheetahs. The complexion of the game changed with Jagaurs fighting to get a try. Cheetahs came back again to score another try through Keorapetse Lesotlho, but Noah failed to convert. The try took Cheetahs lead to 12-6. The margin did not unsettle the determined young pack of Jaguars who continued fighting until the final whistle.
Jaguars coach, Feddy Mutenheri told Sport Monitor that they knew what to expect from their opponents. He said the lead they had going into half time brought stability into his players. “We played according to our game plan. We did not let Cheetahs play in our half. Our full backs gave us leverage by putting the balls in Cheetahs’ half. We have the youngest players in the league but they have proven that it is not about the size of the body but the size of the mind,” he said. Cheetahs coach, Kabo Batsile admitting that Jaguars proved they are going to be their toughest opponents this season. He said the side prepared well hence the competition they gave his players. “We had the opportunity to win the match but we were let down by decision making. I was forced to make substitutions to try to apply the pressure,” Batsile said.
In the other finals, UB Rhinos’women team won the women’s cup while Gaborone Hogs bagged the reserve league cup.
The teams:
Cheetahs: Goloswang Twadimpe, Mogatle Gabaratanelwe, Oarabile Chiche, Ernest Eddie, Kaura, Kenneth Motlhabani, Ketshidile Matenanga, Lempaletse Ngaka, Ntwaetsile, Aobakwe Segwaketse, Lesotlho, Kagiso Molefhi, Jameson, Mathew Masike and James.
Coach: Batsile.
Jaguars: Tshepo Tshambani, Boago Ghanie, Morei, Matembu Shikufa, Letlhogonolo Lasaumako, Thapelo Molefhe, Tafa Ncube, Rambo Masalila, Mpho Yezo, Pelaelo, Brannon Mtoko, Koketso Mafokate, Stanley Chukwuma, Masego Moalosi and Thabang Moedi.
Coach: Mutenheri.
Jaguars 13
Cheetahs 12