Spiking Stars face Diphatsa hurdle

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Staff Writer | Friday May 17, 2013 00:00

Spiking Stars are the dark horses but look set to give the big boys stiff competition this season.  The Ramotswa based outfit occupies second spot with 20 points just two adrift of Kutlwano. The side has lost only twice in eight matches. While most expect them to have an easy outing against the other opponents, Tanian, they are up for a tough challenge against Diphatsa.

Diphatsa is placed 10th on the log but that does not translate into a poor run because the Francistown side has played fewer games. However, Spiking Stars coach, Dikgang Kgosane, remains confident that they will spring a surprise against the former champions.

He believes his team has grown and is ready to challenge for the top honours. He acknowledged that Diphatsa is a tough team but said his side will not give up without a fight. Phemelo Lekoko and Equator Moalosi, who won Best server and Best blocker, respectively, last season, are expected to lead the onslaught against their two opponents.

Kgosane said considering that his side is ever improving he is confident of winning the league title after finishing in sixth position last season. 'However, if we fail to win the league, we want to, at least, finish in the top four,' he said. He said they only needed to recruit a more experienced player 'who will motivate the team'.

Although they have played more games than the rest, Kgosane said they would strive to remain among the pace-setters.  He, however, noted that playing more games than others is a disadvantage because it forces them to work under pressure. In other Mahalapye fixtures, on form Orapa faces Kalavango before Diphatsa takes on Kalavango.

Tanian and Police will face off in the last match on the programme. At SSKB in Mogoditshane, fourth placed BDF VI is expected to continue its journey to defend the league in the only game against Magstimela.In the women's games, Mafolofolo will have two matches against Dynamites and Prisons while BDF VI takes on Magstimela.