11 Sep 2016

Botswana Netball national team gave Batswana something  to celebrate golden jubilee with, after winning a bronze medal at the Mission Foods 6 nations cup, which was staged in Singapore.

Botswana ladies managed to beat the host, Singapore 47-41 to finish on position three to bag a Bronze medal on Saturday (September 10).

Zambia were crowned the champions followed by Papua New Guinea, while position four went to Singapore, followed by Ireland and Canada respectively.

Botswana won four of their six games. In the opening game they lost 43-46 to Zambia and were able to redeem themselves with a 42-38 victory against Singapore. 

Papua New Guinea spoilt the party in the third game beating Botswana 51-40.

That did not dampened their fighting spirit as they regrouped and humbled Ireland 27-34.

Botswana continued with their winning streak in their fifth game and beat Canada 64-31 to book themselves a place to fight for a Bronze medal against Singapore and won 47-41.

Botswana netball coach Sithulile Mlotshwa said in an interview that she was happy with her team’s fighting spirit, adding that it was not their first time to compete at the tournament.

The competition, she said was very tough, but she commended her team's commitment as it was evident throughout the competition that they wanted better results to improve International Netball Federation rankings.On the three U-21 players, who might make a cut in the coming 2017 World Youth  Netball Championships, she said the young girls played very well.

“What l can say is that they are good in taking and following instructions, which made it easy for them to play the game. They heard a voice of command on and off the field.

They also got support from the senior players which made them play with confidence,” she said.

Overall, the coach said she encouraged players to train individually; be it off season or on season as that could improve their fitness to carry them throughout the game and help them to play perfectly in any position. ENDS