The Jwaneng squad was beefed with some players from Shakawe rugby club but they could still not stop the marauding Army side. Speaking to Sport Monitor, Jwaneng coach, Karabo Fani explained that the new format was mentioned at the beginning of the year but there were some delays in terms of implementation. According to the trainer, when fixtures were finally released, they were informed that they were going to merge with Shakawe rugby club and that was a shock looking at the distance. “Shakawe players arrived in Jwaneng a few days before the game and it was difficult to merge the two teams that play different types of rugby,” he said. “At least during the match there was a bit of cohesion within the players, they played much better.
We spend a lot of money to attend league matches, even if you win the league, there is no prize money.” For his part, Cheetahs coach, Onamile Tshimologo noted that when Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) announced 15s format, the decision shook clubs a bit looking at the fewer number of women who play rugby. He said as a team they knew that they had the numbers and there was no need to be merged with other clubs. Tshimologo said as a result, his players struggled because there was a lot of contacts as the players are used to play in open field. Meanwhile, women’s representative, Keneilwe Modise told Sport Monitor that BRU has for several years aspired to transition into the women’s 15s game in order to align with regional and international developments.
