MOLEPOLOLE: Mafolofolo women’s volleyball team are the champions of Capital Motors tournament after beating their rivals, Kutlwano 3-1 in a tightly contested final played here yesterday.
Mafolofolo walked away P25,000 richer with Kutlwano pocketing P14,000. Kalavango came third to win P10, 000 with P8, 500 going to BDF VI for finishing fourth.
Mafolofolo coach, Kabo Ntshinogang expressed happiness at the victory. He said the idea was to beat their opponents 3-0. He said the fifth set proved difficult for his players. “Kutlwano is a good side and beating them is always difficult. I decided to take out the first team that played in the first set and bring in new charges.
That worked wonders for us. Losing the third set brought some doubt on us, but we managed to hold on,” said Ntshinogang.
For his part, Kutlwano’s Dopp Popo admitted that they did not play well as they gave their opponents free balls and in turn got punished. He said his defence did not come to the party. Popo said the loss was a wake-up call to them because it proved that they are beatable. He said it is a lesson going into the volleyball league.
The game started with Kutlwano showing intention to retain the title that they have won five times out of the seven editions, since its inception in 2008.
The last set of the match saw Chada Majana of Mafolofolo hammering a strike to level matters to 13-13. The score brought confidence to her side and they continued piling pressure on Kutlwano.
Gaolesetse ‘Lizzy’ Gasekgonwe was a thorn in Kutlwano’s flesh as she hit them with strong spikes. Mafolofolo extended the lead to 22-20. Kutlwano attacker, Tracy Chaba played outside the field and that worked for Mafolofolo. Gasekgonwe was at her best when she hammered the last nail in Big House’s coffin to ensure that they walked away with the title.
Mafolofolo: Game Rakgabo, Taboka Tema, Yarobi Mbise, Gasekgonwe, Tsholofelo Oganne, Kelebogile Mahupela.
Coach: Ntshinogang.
Kutlwano: Chaba, Sesha Matswiri, Daisy Golekanye, Tebogo Sejewe, Karabo Molefha and Caroline Rodger.
Coach: Popo.
