Kutlwano start title defence on firm note

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Correspondent | Wednesday December 15, 2010 00:00

 

The 'Big House' hammered Associacao Academica Maputo (AAM) of Mozambique 3-0 after beating Red Skins of Lesotho with the same margin on Monday. Yesterday, Kutlwano had an easy afternoon beating AAM 25-14 in the first set, 25-16 in the second and 25-18 in the last.

The 'Big House' was a marvel to watch especially in the first and second sets. The players enjoyed themselves, as they did not get much resistance from their opponents.

Although they were poor in almost all departments, AAM's main undoing was playing balls outside the court and leaving too much space when going for the block.

Kutlwano players fully capitalised on the mistakes. In the second set, AAM upped their game but still failed to stop their opponents whose teamwork was unmatched.

The spikes of Hosea Masego and Tracy Chaba did the magic for Kutlwano who reduced the tempo in the third set, as fatigue seemed to have set in. Suddenly, AAM looked like snatching the set as they kept the score margin slim. But the prolific Hosea rose to the occasion to rescue Kutlwano.

It was obvious that a stronger side could have easily punished the 'Big House' in the third set. Despite having a tough day, AAM players gave a good account of themselves and their morale never went down.

Kutlwano coach, Isaac Samuel, said his team generally did well but blamed complacency for the slack showing in the last set.

He lauded his team's coordination on the court and said the players want to defend the title before the home crowd.

AAM coach Angelo Lourenco said his charges did not perform well because they travelled the 'long distance' from Lobatse to Otse. He applauded Kutlwano and said his side lost to a better team on the day. 'This is our first game. We hope we will win the next games,' he said. Meanwhile, Mafolofolo women were given soft points after the Bob Sisters of Swaziland did not turn up for their duel.