Rugby leagues down to the wire
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday September 8, 2017 15:16
The women’s semifinals get proceedings underway with a clash between BDF Cheetahs and BAC North, before UB Rhinos and Canon Jaguars face-off.
The second action of the day features teams in the reserve league with Cheetahs playing BUAN while the other semi-final pits Jwaneng against Gaborone Hogs.
The President’s League would be next up on arguably the busiest day for rugby. Botho University Riders play Jaguars in the first semi-final while Hogs and BUAN square off at 1:00pm.
The main attraction, the Super Rugby League would bring the day’s proceeding to a close when Hogs play Jaguars at 2:30pm before the second semi-final between BDF Cheetahs and UB Rhinos.
Log leaders and defending champions, Cheetahs face a limping Rhinos. Cheetahs are at the apex of the log with 44 points while Rhinos are pitted at the bottom with 17. The army side has played 12 matches; winning nine, drew one and lost two. They have scored 266 tries, conceded 176 times and got six bonus points in the process. It has not been an easy season for Rhinos, playing 12 matches and winning only three. The side has lost eight matches, with one draw. Rhinos have scored 112 tries, conceded 280 points and getting three bonus points.
Rhinos assistant coach, Emmanuel Masinki said they have been working hard on their defence, which has been a let down.
“I believe we would defend with a bit of will and purpose this time around. Our offence has not been bad, because in as much as we have been on a losing streak, we have scored points. This week, we have been trying to reinforce our positive offence,” he explained. Masinki said their position on the log places them in a suitable standing because nobody is focussing on them. He said the challenge they are facing is that some of their players are nursing injuries picked during the national team assignment in Zambia.
Cheetahs spokesperson, Modesto Madzambi revealed that they have never lost against Rhinos. He said the last match, which they won 8-6, was a scare. He said that was a wake up call, but that was due to the absence of senior players who were with the national team. “We go into the game without Lovemore Jimson, Kagiso Ditsebe and Kenneth Motlhabane who are on suspension. But we have other players who would be coming back such as Kagiso Molefhi, Lempaletse Ngaka and Matenga Matenanga amongst others,” he said.
Madzambi said the experience of Ngaka in the forwards is expected to add value with Molefhi adding pace to the back line. He said playing against Rhinos means they should play a fast game because the side has many big players. He said as such they should avoid contact.
“As defending champions, we want to erase the mentality that they are the best in the league. They must work just like any other players to reclaim the championship. Our intention is to grab a win and qualify for the final,” he said.
Another interesting clash is between Jaguars and Hogs. The match is expected to be fast-paced because the two sides boast of youngsters. Considering the way Hogs have been playing, they are expected to take the war to their opponents.
Jaguars manager, Feddy Mutenheri said his camp is carrying injuries, which is worrying.
“We have had two weeks to rest the players and carry-out a review and light training. The morale is high and playing Hogs at SSKB is exciting because we are playing at a neutral venue,” he said. Mutenheri admitted that Hogs are a great group, but they are going to throw everything in order to win. Hogs’ team manager, Lynn Warburton said they are ready for the clash. “We always enjoy our matches against Jaguars,” Warburton said. The finals would be played next week Saturday.