Rampant Cheetahs send unequivocal message
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday May 23, 2017 16:49
The side stamped its authority when they crashed UB Rhinos 34-9 on Friday night in front of their supporters at UB Stadium. Cheetahs lead the log with 21 points, with three bonus points. The army side has played five matches, winning four and a draw. Cheetahs have scored 108 points to wrap up the first round on top. Rhinos finished second with 12 points while Gaborone Hogs is in the third spot with nine points. It has been a poor first round for Canon Jagaurs who have not picked a win from their four assignments. Hogs added to their misery beating them 23-14 over the weekend.
Cheetahs coach, Shine Gabatladiwe told Mmegi Sport that his team was ruled out when they drew against Hogs. He said most people thought that was the end of Cheetahs. He said during that match, his players did not stick to the game plan. He said they took the draw as a lesson.
“When we lose, it is us who would have made mistakes not that there is pressure from our opponents. Since last year, we have been playing good rugby and we do not see any team stopping us,” he said.
Gabatladiwe said they have studied all their opponents and on the other hand, their opponents are failing to pick Cheetahs’ weak points. He said it is going to take time to pick the weak areas. Gabatladiwe said they have recruited former Hogs player, Edie Ousthuizen. Gabatladiwe said Ousthuizen would be in the starting line-up during the semi-final in September.
Reflecting on the first round of the season, BRU secretary general, Ernest Mantsi said the low number of officials has been a challenge. He said they need more referees to ensure coordination of games.
“We have a challenge on the number of available rugby playable fields for our weekend games. We need more facilities to run the sport,” he said.
Mantsi said the level of skills being displayed over the past six rounds has seen players and coaches changing tactics and strategies to ensure that they remain competitive. He added that there has been an increase in the number of supporters at rugby matches, which is a welcome development. Meanwhile, the Vultures will be in action June, starting with three friendly matches and a coaching clinic in South Africa. He said they are also introducing three more teams to play the 15’s.
Other results:
Reserve league:
Falcons 7-5 Rhinos
Jwaneng 28-0 Hogs
President’s Cup:
Botho Ryders 28-0 Mochudi
Jwaneng 28-0 Hogs