06 Oct 2015

Kutlwano and Police men drubbed their opponents in the Capital Motors Independence Volleyball Cup semi-finals to book a place in the finals slated for October 11. Both teams made their intentions clear by sailing through their opponents in the quarter and semi-finals held at Serowe College of Education over the weekend.  

Kutlwano men, who have for the past three years failed to qualify for the competition’s finals, beat BDF VI 3-1.

Although both teams are good, most had expected the army side, which usually has an upper hand over Kutlwano, not to have an easy victory as the big house is known for resisting the army side. 

But this time Kutlwano was unfazed and eclipsed their hard-hitting opponents to pave their way to the finals. 

The duo’s encounter was exciting, as both teams unleashed hot spikes and displayed techniques. Despite their dexterity the game was tense, and evident to be emotionally taxing for both teams and their coaches. Their encounters usually take the mentally prepared to win the other. 

Although BDF VI was initially at ease, they realised their opponent’s intentions on the third set, and it was already late for them to launch a comeback, and were left in the losers’ final stand.  

Meanwhile Police, who were last year’s runner ups, gave Spiking Stars a hiding, by winning their game by 3-0 in a relaxed game as compared to BDF VI and Kutlwano’s . 

Police will face Kutlwano on the finals, at a place yet to be announced.

In an interview, Kutlwano’s coach Isaac Samuel said that the game was good, and playing a strong opponent such as BDF VI in the semi-finals has helped them to check their strength and tact prior to the finals. 

The coach said that facing Police in the final is going to be another challenge and they have to hone their technique for them. 

“We have missed the finals for three years, so we are in, and we are in to win,” the coach concluded. 

For BDF VI coach, Selebatso Mabutho, the loss meant that they have to go and rectify some of their flaws as he has observed that his side had a problem in serving and passing the ball.  He said last year they finished third in the meet, a position that they will contest for against Spiking Stars. 

For Police coach, facing Kutlwano on the finals is a motivation.

Tshepho Iketeng said his side played according to the plan, their tactics worked well which helped them to maintain the lead. Iketeng said having beat Kutlwano before they are optimistic that history is likely to repeat itself. 

“It’s sport though, anything can happen. We will celebrate once we lift the cup,” he said. 

On the women side, Kutlwano will face Mafolofolo on the finals while Kalavango and BDF VI women will fight for position three. 

Capital Motors sponsored the cup to the tune of P175 000 and men’s winners will walk away P35 000 richer, while runner up will pocket P20 000. 

Winner in the losers’ final will get P15 000 and fourth position will be awarded P10 000. The other participating teams are certain about P8 000 each. The women’s winner will pocket P25 000 and their runner up P14 000. Winner from loser’s final will pocket 10 500 while the loser will get P8500. Ends