Cheetahs Humble Rhinos To Clinch Title
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday September 12, 2016 15:10
Cheetahs and Rhinos have always enjoyed a spicy relationship, mainly because of their status as Botswana rugby’s most successful teams. Cheetahs showed their intentions from the first whistle and came into the match with a psychological advantage after beating their opponents in the previous two meetings.
Lempaletse Ngaka drew first blood for Cheetahs with a try in the fifth minute with the national team player making a long run from the back-line. But Rhinos tried to fight back to no avail as Ronald Modise was thwarted in the 13th minute. Keorapetse Lesotho made a brilliant pass to Kagiso Molefhi who blasted with a good run on the right flank, attempting to get the second try for Cheetahs.
The army side continued their dominance scoring a conversion a few minutes later to increase the lead to 10-0.
Rhinos were awarded a penalty after a lot of scuffling with their opponents and Phenyo Motlalekgosi scored to leave the scoreline at 10-3.
The army side played with speed and dexterity throughout, and they finished the first half stronger with a convincing lead of 20-3.
The second half saw Rhinos fighting back with some strong physical play, which yielded two tries but that was not enough to stop Cheetahs from claiming the title. Cheetahs coach, Shine Gabatladiwe told Monitor Sport that his team played according to instructions.
“We knew that our opponents were strong in set pieces. I used that to my advantage and I won the game through their mistakes. We finished with Rhinos in the first half, the second half we just played the game in the corners to waste time,” said Gabatladiwe.
Rhinos coach, Mooketsi Ramakele said the first half did not go according to plan and they got punished, conceding 20 points. He admitted that their set pieces were not up to standard, which was a sign that Cheetahs had done their homework. “We wanted to put them under pressure during scrums and line outs. Cheetahs deserved the win because they have been consistent,” he said.
Cheetahs: Twadimpe Goloswang, Gaboratanelwa Mogate, Chiche Oarabile, Eddie Ernest, Ngaka, Omphile Debula, Nathaniel Godirwang, Ketshidile Matenanga, Khumoetsile Ntwaetsile, Omphile Rebobate, Mathews Masike, Kagiso Molefhi, Jimson Lovemore, Lesotho and Bafana Lekgobo.
Rhinos: Katlego Mhusiwa, Thabo Maifala, Chaba Ebineng, Emmanuel Sperring, Modise, Mike Simon, Junior Pofelo, Kitso Maduo, Prince Chinga, Shakes Katse, Mzii Munyamane, Kaelo Mogatsi, Motlalekgosi, Alpheous Moketedi and Emmanuel Mosinki.