Netball Side Continues Impressive Build-Up
Naledi Lemogang | Monday May 15, 2017 15:15
The national side made a number of changes in order to give all the players a run. The first quarter began on a low tempo with the Botswana Select having an upper hand, and led 5-0 in the first 10 minutes.
The junior side was still weighing up combinations, losing balls easily, and the Botswana Select took full advantage. But the Under-21 side refused to be cowed and urged on by a partisan crowd, they managed to stage a comeback and level matters towards the end of the first quarter.
The national side went ahead in the second quarter and their defence stood firm despite constant pressure from the select side.
The Botswana Select had an upper hand in terms of experience and physique. The juniors brought in Cheludo David to replace Pearl Maribe who went out injured. The teams were tied 18-18 at the end of the second quarter.
The Under-21 side made further changes with captain Kgomotso Mathibi and Katlego Monica joining the fray. Monica who played Goal Keeper (GK) destroyed most of the Select’s dangerous balls. The young girls increased their lead to seven points towards the last quarter of the game.
The team had staged a dramatic comeback after a sluggish start to prove that their preparations are on course.
The Under-21 led 34-25 going into the last quarter, with the Select side playing well, but unable to breach the impressive defence. The junior side coach, Botlhole Mmupi said they want to win their games and to also give all their players a chance.
“The main purpose of this tournament is to select the squad of 15 players out of the 20. We want to give everyone a chance,” Mmupi said. She said she was happy with the way the girls picked the game even though they started slowly adding that they are working on teaching players to be impact players to the team.
Botswana select coach, Sithulile Mlotshwa said she is happy that the Under-21 team is improving with every game.
“Our strategy was to neutralise them in the midfield, but in the first quarter it did not work because they did not bring the players we expected,” she said. Mlotshwa said the juniors are focused in the defence and attacks and they hardly get tired which is key to carrying their momentum until the end of the game.
Selected results:
Botswana Select 43-32 Notwane
Jungle Queens 22-56 Mens Team
Under-21 46-30 Botswana Select
Queens 31-47 BDF Cats
Notwane 27-46 Under-21