BDF Cheetahs Are Rugby Kings
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday July 10, 2017 14:40
The side finished in the first position by beating cross-town rivals, Gaborone Hogs 24-7 in a one-sided affair. Kabelo Sebabi broke the deadlock in the third minute after a good run from the middle of the park to score a try for Cheetahs.
A conversion followed which saw Cheetahs take a 7-0 lead. The lead brought so much confidence in the army side, which got another try few minutes later through Shamowake James. Lekgobo Bafana then took a conversion thereafter and made no mistake. At the end of the first half, Cheetahs were seating comfortably in the lead with a 14-0 score line. A few minutes into the second half, former Vultures player, Kagiso Molefhi made a brilliant run on the right flank to continue demolishing Hogs’ dreams of catching up. He scored a try, giving Cheetahs a 21-0 lead.
Hogs’ fighting spirit saw Roberto Phobe pulling one try for his side. Ryan Musumhi took a brilliant kick to score a conversion and the scoreboard reducing the deficit to 21-7. Cheetahs’ lock, Lempaletse Ngaka who came in as a substitute, took a 50-metre run and instead of scoring, he passed the ball to his teammate, Matthews Masike who hammered the last nail on Hogs coffin to give his side a 24-7 victory.
“When we reached the final, we knew that Hogs used one player and we closed him. That meant an end to their game plan,” Cheetahs’ coach, Gilbert Machobane told Monitor Sport after the game.
He said most teams were not prepared to compete. He suggested that in the upcoming tournaments, teams from other countries should be invited.
For his part, Hogs coach, Junior Matlhape said they knew what to expect against Cheetahs because the side consists of some good players in the country. He said the game plan was to avoid contact and play the ball wide. Matlhape said it was unfortunate that his charges did not follow instructions and decided to play contact against Cheetahs.
Cheetahs received P4,000, gold medals and a trophy. Hogs pocketed P2, 000, silver medals and a trophy for their hard work. Jwaneng who finished third were compensated with P1,000 and bronze.
UB Rhinos are the champions of the women’s division winning P1, 500 followed by Cheetahs who received P1,000 and Hogs came third to pocket P500.
City Physio Clinic sponsored the tournament at the tune of P15,000. Other sponsors were Khayalihle Guest House, and Khakha Catering Services.
Teams:
Hogs: Kagiso Kgomela, Kago Lekula, Tshireletso Kelebogang, Musumhi, Tapiwa Malenga, Brighton Chinyanga, Koketso Galetshetse, Phobe
Cheetahs: Mogakolodi Gomolemo, Matthews, Lekgobo, Kagiso, Sengwatse Aobakwe, Shamowake, Kabelo.