BDF VI,Diphatsa clash in Capital Motors final

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Friday September 10, 2010 00:00

The headline fixture will see defending men’s champions, BDF VI clash against fellow army side, Diphatsa. The game starts at 3pm. A nail-biting encounter is on the cards as duels between the two sides have never failed to excite.

BDF VI should start as favourites as they have won the two previous editions. Diphatsa will be out to halt BDF VI dominance. Diphatsa is one of the few teams that always give BDF XI a headache. However, the last time the Francistown side beat BDF VI in the finals of a major event was in the Debswana knock out tournament in 2006.

BDF VI will rely on experience to land their third successive Capital Motors trophy. Former Mafolofolo skipper, Odirile ‘Driller’ Sibanda, Tabaka Mothudi and Nlebesi Mpapho are expected to spearhead the Diphatsa quest for victory. Despite their close contests, BDF VI coach, Selebatso Mabutho said he is not expecting tough competition from his rivals.

His optimism stems from the fact that Diphatsa has largely a new squad.

He said Diphatsa is good in attack but poor in blocking and they will capitalise on the weakness. Diphatsa coach, George Leabaneng said that although BDF VI is a tough side, they have prepared well. “We trained for the game just like we would train for any other side,” he stated. Leabaneng said there is no doubt that BDF is a good side but his side will cause an upset. He said all his players are fit and ready for action.    Meanwhile, Kutlwano will take on Kalavango in the women’s final at 1pm. After their male counterparts failed to make it to the finals, it will be up to the women’s side to restore pride for Kutlwano. Although Kalavango lost a number of players during the transfer period, they are still expected to present a formidable challenge to Kutlwano.    Winners in both categories will walk away with P10,000 while runners-up will get P6,000. Capital Motors has donated P150,000 to sponsor the tournament. A curtain raiser featuring a team made of journalists will take on a side drawn from the Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) and Capital Motors officials will precede the women’s final.