Cheetahs out to dehorn Rhinos
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday April 28, 2017 14:21
The two sides are in impressive form in the ongoing Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) Super League.
Cheetahs are at the top of the log with nine points after winning their two matches. The army side has an advantage over Rhinos after receiving a bonus point in their previous match. Rhinos have accumulated eight points from two wins. Cheetahs are fresh from overcoming Canon Jaguars 28-22.
Both sides have strong forwards, but Cheetahs have an upper hand because they have a fast back line. The side is also dangerous when it comes to lineout with some of the best jumpers in the league. Despite that it is not going to be an easy walk in the park as Cheetahs are limping. The side will be without some key senior players through injuries. Lempaletse Ngaka (lock), Eddie Ernest (lock), Peace Kebotate and China Sengwaketse are all out and Omphile Dabula (school commitment) joins them on the sidelines.
Cheetahs spokesperson, Modesto Mazambi told Mmegi Sport that the absence of senior players is a challenge but at the same time it is an opportunity for young players to step up and prove themselves against Rhinos.
“We are not taking any chances because we know the damage that Rhinos can do. They are a good side and they are going to give us a tough match. We are hoping that our players stick to the game plan if we are to bag maximum points,” he said.
For his part Rhinos coach, Emmanuel Masinki said their preparations have been going well. He said they had time to deal with their weaknesses and reinforce their strong points from the previous two games.
“I am confident that my players understand how we want to play tonight. We had a chance to analyse how Cheetahs play and our preparations took note of their strengths and their weak areas,” Masinki said.
He said they picked a minor injury from the Gaborone Hogs match, but the player has been replaced. Masinki said their plan is to be physical with their forwards, play in many phases and release their back line and hope to get joy on the outside.
“We want to create miss matches by having our big boys running into Cheetahs’ relatively small back line. We hope this will subject them to pressure and they will concede penalties which we will convert into points,” he said.
The tactician said they also hope to win the match with a bonus point and if they fail to, they hope to deny their opponents the bonus point.