Sevens rugby teams off to Zambia

NELSON DIRENG &
MOGOMOTSI BUZWANI
Correspondents | Friday August 27, 2010 00:00

The coach of the mens side, Mooketsi Ramakele said he was impressed with what he saw during the Sevens tournament hosted by the EMG Gunners in Selebi-Phikwe over the weekend.

The Vultures men played and won all six games over the weekend beating BDF Sharks 31-0 in the final.Ramakele said he was impressed with the defence although he cannot ignore the fact that they will be facing much tougher opposition in Zambia. 'We had an advantage over most sides because their best players were in the national team,' he said about the Selebi-Phikwe tournament.

He expressed hope in the team, asserting that some of the new youngsters got exposure in the full national side last month when they competed in the Confederations of African Rugby (CAR) Four-Nations tournament in Zimbabwe.

He said that Botswana players are no different from those in other countries with the exception of South Africa.'Our team has fast and skilled players. The only advantage other countries have over us is that they have access to resources such as gyms and more training time,' he said.

Injuries to key players might affect the team's chances in Zambia. Tefo Keothepile and Kaone Gopolang are nursing injured ankles while Jeremy Barbage will be absent because he has relocated from Botswana.

Hogs' Eddie Oosthuizen and Molebi Maphanyane have been sidelined after their club refused to release them for unknown reasons.

Ramakele said this will not demoralise the team, 'I would rather go with a team that has the heart and passion to play rather than take unwilling players,' he said. The Vultures aim to improve on their semi-final exit in last year's competition. Zimbabwe are the defending champions.

The women's team assistant coach, Batshabeng Keopetswe said the they are ready for the tournament.

'We have prepared well and our players are fit. We hope to do better this time,' he said. The two-day tournament kicks off tomorrow and ends on Sunday.

Probable line-upsVulture's menOnamile Tshimologo, Kabo Batsile, Eddie Ernest (Cheetahs players), Ketshidile Matenaga (Whales), Daniel Ntshutelang, Keatlaretse Masabase, Conrad Ntshebe (Gunners), Tshoganetso Katse, Emmanuel Masinki, Segopotso Dintwe, and Biki Mawela (UB Rhinos).

Vultures womenMasego Aston , Esnat Balozwi, Naledi Chabe, Tinabo Chikani, Kamogelo Dibate, Girly Gaebolae, Lame Matara, Keneilwe Modise, Pearl Mogatusi, Mpho Molatlhwe, Keabetswe Molefi and Tjeludo Monyai.