21 Jun 2015

Diphatsa returned to winning ways by thrashing Mafolofolo and Prisons VI with straight sets in the men’s Mascom Volleyball League at Molepolole Institute of Health Services on Saturday, June 20.

The Francistown giants have started the 2015 season poorly, losing three of their first five matches against Spiking Stars, Kutlwano and Police VI. But clinical performances against Mafolofolo and Prisons showed they could still stage a serious title challenge.

Star attacker, Odirile Sibanda was the main orchestrator as they held off a strong fight from the youthful Mafolofolo to take the first set 25-21.

Diphatsa continued their good momentum by winning the second set 25-13 with Sibanda, central blocker Pastor Rebabonye and Nlebesi Mphapho combining well with the setter, Wago Kamankala.

They clinched the third set 25-20 to seal a comfortable victory. Earlier in the day the army side handed Prisons a 3-0 defeat. Diphatsa now trail log-leaders Police VI by seven points after accumulating 15 points from seven matches. They also have a game in hand.

Diphatsa coach Daniel Ngozi said his team has started to combine well after a shaky start to the campaign.

“When the league started it was a little bit difficult for us because we had problems with our passing and setting. We made it our homework that we should work on passes and on proper setting. Today everybody was confident and it was easier to win sets,” Ngozi said.

Ngozi explained that a change of personnel in his team’s ranks after key players left them caused his team to struggle.

“Some of our players left us after we lost our main sponsor and we had to rebuild. The chief passer, the libero and the setter are new and these are the backbone of the team. It gave us a very tough time.”

In another match played in Molepolole, BDF VI defeated Tanian 3-0. ENDS