Firm foot forward for UB Rhinos
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday April 25, 2017 16:10
The side has been going through a rough patch but that seems to be a thing of the past, considering their recent form.
Rhinos left no stone unturned as they bagged maximum points against a stubbornly marauding Gaborone Hogs over the weekend, beating their long time rivals 17-6. Rhinos coach, Mooketsi Ramakele told Mmegi Sport that they were written off by other teams when they were knocked out of the BRU Knock Out Cup by BDF Cheetahs B side.
He said last year they did not score a point but now things are looking good.
“The first three points is a sign that we have already achieved something. Due to our performances during the BRU Knock Out Cup, we have been working on combinations. Our target is September.
The first few games do not really matter,” he said.
Ramakele said they are still improving depth in the team hence starting with some of their best players on the bench against Hogs and some not playing at all.
He said it was important to build depth because the season is long and with injuries, there should be replacement in all positions.
He said early in the season, it is not about victory but psychological victories. He said a win against Hogs is a psychological advantage to his charges.
He said having beaten Jaguars, which are the Knock Out Cup champions and Hogs who have the best resources in the league, is a bonus for his players and they are in a good state of mind.
Meanwhile, BRU secretary general, Ernest Mantsi said so far the Super League is meeting expectations in terms of teams’ preparedness and offering spectacular rugby.
“Hogs brought in a young team that may upset other teams in the near future. Cheetahs showed massive forward pack during scrums. The season will only get better,” Mantsi said.
Despite that, some coaches showed displeasure towards officiating during the weekend action.
Mantsi defended referees, explaining a call is made in a split second and when someone is on the sideline it may seem as though they are not doing enough. He said BRU is always training and developing match officials.
“Over the weekend, the BRU development manager was evaluating their performance. Even when there are variations to the laws of the game, we are positive that things will go well.
It is not easy being an official during high pressure games. But we make sure that our match officials undergo refresher courses,” he said.
In other Super League match over the weekend, Cheetahs beat Jaguars 28-19.