Depleted Jaguars hunt wounded Rhinos

Calistus Kolantsho | Friday March 2, 2018 16:10

 

A lot is at stake as both sides would like to walk away with maximum points. Rhinos lost to BDF Cheetahs while Jaguars are in a buoyant mood after dispatching Botho Ryders 66-5 last weekend.

Rhinos gave their all but their fitness was their downfall leading to a narrow 17-14 defeat to Cheetahs. Despite their victory last weekend, Jaguars are however, depleted after losing some players during the off-season.

 Jaguars coach, Taku Mhonda told Mmegi Sport that they go into the game with a weaker team and that makes it difficult to outline their approach.

 “We picked some knocks during our game against Ryders and during a pre-season match in Zeerust. I would be fielding a young team,” he said.

Players who have left the Block 8 outfit include Ronaldo Fortune who is now based in America, Haitembu Shikufa who moved to Namibia, Thapelo Molefhe who is studying in China while Pride Nyameni has joined Gaborone Hogs.

Mhonda said he has promoted a few school students, Orebotse Magana, Kaelo Serojane, Lone Baakile and Kopano Letshabo who were part of the LKC team.

Rhinos coach, Thatayaone Malele said his side has also lost some players, but they are in the process of building a competitive side.

“One obstacle we encountered last season was the fitness of our players, which was low,” he said.

Malele said he has put mobility in the forwards because that is where the game is won.

Rhinos have recruited two players, including Koorapetse Lesotlho from Cheetahs.

The player got a brace against his former side last weekend. 

“We have been struggling to find a place to train, so this year our training ground is at Gaborone Club. We decided to move from UB Stadium because it was difficult to get access and it is always occupied,” Malele said.

 In other matches, Hogs return to action tomorrow where they welcome Super Rugby debutants, Ryders at Wharic Park.

The side was not warmly welcomed after a drubbing at the hands of Jaguars. Ryders joined the Super rugby after they were crowned President Cup champions last season.

The league is still sponsor-less, but Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) secretary general, Ernest Mantsi said negotiations are ongoing with potential partners.

“It is still difficult, but we are hopeful that soon we would be putting pen to paper with a sponsor for any of our leagues,” he said.