Number One at stake in Mascom Volleyball League

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Staff Writer | Friday November 16, 2012 00:00

 

The two sides have been involved in a vicious two-horse race and the title's destiny will be decided after what is expected to be a titanic battle in the shadows of the Lobatse hills. Log leaders Kutlwano have amassed 57 points and defending champions, Mafolofolo will be looking to halt the 'Big House's unbeaten run in order to defend the title. Mafolofolo trail their blood rivals by two points and need a win to keep the league trophy.

While Kutlwano hope to continue its dominance over Mafolofolo, the girls in gold and black will be seeking to avenge the first round defeat. Both teams are expected to play their traditional fast-paced game. Kutlwano and Mafolofolo have experienced campaigners and settled squad, as they did not open the chequebook in the recent past.

Mafolofolo coach, Kabo Ntshinogang said losing to Kutlwano in the first round was a mistake and that they would be all out to prove it. 'We have never been so prepared,' he told Mmegi Sport yesterday. Ntshinogang said unlike in the first round his girls have been able to train as a team. Mafolofolo have been struggling to get their team together, something that compelled them to recall some players who had resigned. The Mafolofolo mentor said their opponents' main weakness is having one pattern of play, which they hope to capitalise on. Kutlwano captain, Lekedzani Bayi does not expect an easy game but says they are going to fight hard. Although the team has not been training well in the past month due to the death of two players, Bayi said they had regrouped and players were responding well.   

Meanwhile, BDF VI men and Kutlwano women will tomorrow travel to Lusaka, Zambia, for the Zone VI Africa Club Championships. This was after the Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) came to their rescue. Their participation was threatened after the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC), through its Zebra Fund failed to finance the trip, as there is no money in the kitty. In a meeting on Wednesday, the BVF resolved to divert some of its funds to the trip. BVF vice president, Odisitse Keotsene said yesterday that the teams apparently had some money and the federation met them half way. The teams are expected to leave for Lusaka for the competition, which starts on Monday.