02 Jun 2013

Warriors coach, Thabang Molefe remains optimistic, despite his team losing 31-65 to Flames on Saturday.

It was the ninth defeat from nine matches for the basketball league newcomers who would end the league first round at the bottom of the log. The Gaborone-based novices joined the league this season but were turned into a punching-bag by the more experienced teams, often losing by wide margins.

They suffered a confidence draining 107-34 hammering by Dolphins two weekends ago, and were before that at the wrong side of a 97-22 trouncing by perennial title contenders Troopers. But after the loss to Flames on Saturday, the team’s coach, Thabiso Molefe said his inexperienced squad was improving and would with the passage of time turn into competitive side.

“This is a young and talented team and it will get better as the season progresses. We are in a building process and the reason we have lost all our matches is because our players still lack experience and confidence. But we would make it eventually,” said the coach.

He said they were found wanting tactically and would require the squad to work in their remaining matches. Warriors are left with a single match to conclude their first round campaign. The loss to Flames left Warriors rooted at the bottom of the log with nine points.

Teams in the basketball league are awarded a single point for honouring matches, and a further point if they win. Meanwhile, defending league champions Spartans increased their league leadership after beating Flames 77-63.

Spartans replaced Troopers as the dominant force in local basketball after winning the league and national championships last year and they appeared determined to retain their crown. Spartans won seven of their eight games played and are at the top of the log with 17 points.  In another match played on Friday Dolphins hammered Saints 113-48.

 In the women’s league, defending champions Police, made it seven wins out of seven matches with a 98-27 victory over Ravens on Friday. Ravens poor showing continued when they lost 55-22 to Splinters on Saturday. ENDS