29 May 2017

Police VI men and Kalavango women are this year's Capital Motors Cup champions.

Police VI men beat BDF VI 3-2 to lift the 2017 Capital Motors Cup, pocketing P15 000 during a closely contested men’s final in Molepolole on May 28.

The game between the police and the army boys was not easy to predict as the two sides were neck-on-neck from the first set with each side capitalising on each other’s mistakes for a 2-2 draw in four sets.

The fifth set managed to separate the two giants, but it was clear the game could go either side.

However, Police VI’s service worked magic as they managed to serve good balls which punched holes on BDF VI’s defence.

Police VI coach, Shimaka Ngwanaotsile attributed their well-deserved win to their preparations before the tournament.

He said they had enough time to prepare for the tournament although they lost two sets to BDF VI because his block and defence lost concentration.

He also mentioned that they made errors when their attack hit most of the balls outside.

Nevertheless, Ngwanaotsile was happy that they have had a good season by becoming the runners-up in the Mascom league, winning the Mascom cup and also becoming the zone 6 champions.

He further stated that Police VI had enjoyed tremendous growth.

BDF VI coach blamed the loss on fatigue, saying his boys were tired from playing 10 sets in two consecutive days.

He also said some of his players had injuries during the semis, and that the times during the semi-finals were not favourable as they played their last game on Saturday evening (May 27).

In another interesting final, Kalavango women beat the mighty Kutlwano 3-1.

Kutlwano’s many mistakes cost them the game as their attack was on and off the entire game.

While Kutlwano women did not show much character needed for a final, they ended up giving away free balls that Kalavango used to punish them.

One problem area that kept on recurring for the Kutlwano side was on service, only two players Merapelo Tshimologo and Tracy Chaba tried to serve their opponents with good balls while the rest of their team could not do just that.

To add salt to the wound, the setter and libero were not moving hence Kalavango took advantage and set their ball strategically to earn themselves the much needed points.

Kutlwano coach Dopp Popo said they had themselves to blame for losing the game.

Popo further lamented that the ladies were demoralised after losing the first two sets to Kalavango, but that when they won the third set, he thought the win would earn them confidence but they just did not have endurance.

For Kalavango coach, Isaac Thengelani, who was full of joy for clinching the cup and also walking away with P15 000, he said his strategy going into the game worked as planned.

He said he had studied his opponents during the semi-finals and worked on the weaknesses and also strengthened his defence to pick balls.

Before the finals, the third and fourth play-offs were played and Mafolofolo men lost 2-3 to Spiking Stars.

On the ladies side, BDF VI lost three sets to nil against Mafolofolo.

Players also received awards and in the women’s side, Boemo Bosaakane of Kalavango was named best setter.

Best attacker went to Chaba of Kutlwano while best blocker, libero and setter went to Kalavango players namely Monica Alfred, Kebabonye Phofedi and Unami Tupane respectively.

The most valuable player award went to Kebabonye Phofedi.

In the men’s side, best attacker went to Phemelo Lekoko from Spiking Stars while the rest of the awards were taken by Police VI with Tiroyaone Otimile named best server and Happy Ribbin scooping best blocker award while Uponi Gabobewe emerged best libero.

Best setter award went to Phenyo Thebeng and the most valuable player award was won by Ephraim Kuteeue also from Police VI. ENDS