31 Jul 2018

Police VI men’s team has finished the Mascom Volleyball League first round in high spirits after they cruised easily to end the tourney on top of the log. They cemented their winning on July 29 after thrashing Kutlwano 3-1 earning them the much needed points to lead the pack on the log. Police VI won the first set 25-20 and lost the second set 25-27 while they won the last two sets 25-12 and 25-21 respectively. This win means that Police VI is number one with 31 points followed by BDF VI with 31 points as well. The two teams are separated only by sets difference.

The third spot is occupied by Kutlwano at 29 points. Although Kutlwano and Kalavango both finished the first round at 29 points, they too are separated by sets difference with Kalavango falling to fourth place on the log.

The final game between Police VI and Kutlwano which was full of action and a delight to watch set the tone for the second round of the league because getting maximum points will come in handy during the second round. Police VI coach Shimaka Ngwanaotsile knew this much better.

He said their plan this season was to win, “nothing more nothing less.” Therefore he said they used their game against Kutlwano to position themselves to finish at the top of the log. He nonetheless pointed out that the boys stuck to his game plan which was to service well and enhance their attack.

 They realised that Kutlwano could not receive their balls well and their center was weak and utilised the opportunities presented by their opponents to garner more points. He however said that he was disappointed when they lost the second set to Kutlwano after the boys lost concentration.

He said their aim was to win 3-0 against Kutlwano. However, he was happy that they managed to regroup to win the last two sets. In preparation for the next round, Ngwanaotsile said they were not going to relax, adding that they would make sure that they do not lose any sets in the second round. He also stated that their aim was to contest in the Zone 6 tournament every year because they have quality players.

For his part, Kutlwano coach Popo Dopp said that losing the game to BDF VI was a blessing in disguise as they were going to use the game to correct their mistakes for the upcoming round. He acknowledged that they lost the game through mistakes made at service and attack.

He also said that in their desperation to get points the boys lost organisation. Going into the second round, Dopp said they would beef up some positions and possibly recruit for some positions such as opposite attack and center blocker positions which were not up to scratch. For the women side, Mafolofolo tops the log with 27 points followed by Mag Stimela with 25 points. Kutlwano sits at position three with 22 points although they have a game in hand. The completion of round one means that Police VI, BDF VI and Kutlwano from the men’s side have qualified for Zone 6 tournament while on the women’s side Mafolofolo, Mag Stimela and Kutlwano will represent at the tourney. ENDS